At what point in the software loading is XP Pro Activation best

Hi all,
During the XP Pro install process, I will be asked to activate the XP OS with Microsoft. Should I have all of my programs and Zone Alarm installed or will it be OK to activate it upon first boot when I assume I will be asked this the first time.
I will only be putting non Microsoft applications on the computer like Sonar 2 XL MIDI-Audio sequencer, SoundForge 50f Mastering Software, Jammer 4 and Band In A Box 11 composition programs and a few other applications like Nero Burn 5.5.5.6, and other minor Digital Audio applications.
Does the OS look at applications as part of "the computer" it is installed on for reactivation? Or is it just hardware componants?
Thanks much,
Best Regards,
Dave G.

 

Activation doesn't care about software only hardware.

 

Thanks Much,

I hoped it was so, as I do not want the computer on the net "as it wishes" as I can not use an anti virus, (Digital Audio Workstations can not have background tasks running while running the audio engine) so I disable the modem in device manager unless I need some sort of update or patch. I also turn off all other automated tasks as well.

That is why I lock it down with Zone Alarm, which pops up an alert when the computer asks to go out to the net. (for when I do have the modem enabled)

I know Big Billy and Big Stevie hate for us to control our own computing boxes, but I try my best to do so, I suspect it will become more difficult as the new OS's come out. So I will probably stop upgrading my OS's as that stuff occurrs.
I still have 2k and 98SE/ME in the wings if needed as well ;~)
Best Regards
Dave G

 

Interesting, at work our DAW's (NT4 running Netia editing software) Have NAV 5.0 (how old's that!) installed and running in the background with no problems. Those workstations are P3 500's with 128Mb RAM.

 

Thanks,

I have a PIII 1 gig with 512 Ram running 2k with Sonar 2 MIDI and audio, and I have absolutely no problems without NAV because it does not go out on the net, and a software reload is very short becuase there is so little of it on the computer.

Best Regards

dave g