New clean PC. Tips wanted (on everything)

[Marmaduck]

Hi guys
So I've just started to use my new Windows 7 PC properly. My 6 year old XP machine has been chucked in the cellar, never to be seen again. This new PC has an 80Gb SSD and a 1TB samsung HDD (partitioned into 2). It's main use will be everything but heavy gaming.

What's with restore points? I made a restore point thing straight away, but was wondering things like do I just need 'C' to have protection tured on? and how much space should I allow system restore to use (I upped it to 5Gb but I've no idea what it needs)
I'm also installing Acronis True Image 2010 as this was a lifesaver several years back. Plus Nero and a few other bits, but should I keep these off the SSD?

Any other good tips to keep everything in good shape? Any software you'd swear by?

Thanks for helping

 

[bug67]

My 6 year old XP machine has been chucked in the cellar, never to be seen again.

Really? Does it still boot? I'll take it if you don't want it. I bet it'll run Linux just fine.

As far as the other, some pretty good info here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/?filter[3]=Installation%20and%20Setup

and here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/?filter[2]=Performance%20Maintenance