new computer setup steps (revised 4/11/13)

Generic computer setup steps (to be followed in order):

1. Boot up computer and as required, create a local account with the name of the company as the login name with predefined local admin password
2. Attach computer to domain
3. Uninstall these items:
   a. preinstalled antivirus
   b. preinstalled Microsoft Office
   c. Bing bar
   d. other pre-installed bloatware
4. Configure updates for all Microsoft programs
5. Install Microsoft updates (including any possibly missing service packs)
6. Install MS Office
7. Install applicable programs for organization including (but not limited to):
   a. PDF995
   b. Adobe Acrobat Standard/Reader
   c. NitroPDF
   d. MS Project
   e. MS Visio
   f. TightVNC
   g. Skype
   h. Google Talk
   i. QuickBooks
   j. Malwarebytes
   k. Java
   l. FileMaker Pro
8. Activate Microsoft Office (applicable for Office 2010 and newer).  For Office 2010 SP2, run one of the Office programs in an elevated state for proper activation.
9. Update non-Microsoft programs that may have updates (particularly Quickbooks and Adobe Acrobat)
10. Install antivirus (MS Security Essentials or Symantec Endpoint Protection) - intentionally installed after all other software
11. Configure computer so computer's current owner is a member of the local admins group
12. Configure VPN connection with access for all users
13. Put appropriate icons for frequently accessed programs on desktop (Computer, Word, Excel, Outlook, terminal server icon, VPN icon, accounting software if applicable)
14. Disable WLAN card when connected to wired ethernet if possible (configurable in device manager for Dell branded WLAN cards)
15. Configure mobile broadband card
16. Track computer's serial number in inventory spreadsheet

When complete, if putting the computer in place for an existing user, you'll probably want to follow these steps to swap in the computer:
http://t-solve.blogspot.com/2013/03/to-do-list-for-swapping-computer.html