How Long Does it Take You to Tweak a New Box?

An anonymous reader asks: "When you get a new computer, how long does it take to make it 'home'? On a Windows system, there seem to be a huge number of preferences I have to choose before it is really comfortable (doing things like: installing software; changing the wallpaper and color schemes; start menu layout; and so forth). How long do you have to fiddle with computer until you have it set up the way you like? Do you use any shortcuts to speed up the process?"

Comments

Let it evolve

[jermz]

When I do the whole burn-down-rebuild on a system, I let it evolve to my tastes. I like a change of scenery now and then, and a new OS install is the right time for me to get that. I try new apps, new desktops, new ideas all around. I might do KDE next time, I might stick with Gnome. I get new icon sets, experiment with new color schemes and wallpapers. It keeps me entertained and I always end up with a usable desktop in the end.

Re:It's never over with

[PurifyYourMind]

Then it would seem not worth it, unless you were seeing over 5-10% of time/comfort savings. Then again, some people just tweak for fun, and it's its own reward. (please mod me up for proper it's/its use!)