windows 8.1 seems solid so as I want to play games I decided to throw some servers / services on there, too

but first disable that tablet crap and the “metro” interface
I will be using desktop software anyway so no need for that touch stuff

Right-click the taskbar on the desktop and under “Navigation” disable all “corner navigation” charms/crap
then select “show desktop instead of start” and “show apps view” – disable “search all” and enable “list apps first”

go to the metro search > uninstall programs and delete them all

install vlc, foxit reader, itunes, steam, quasselclient, firefox, spotify, etc)

also> gpedit > comuter management > administrative > windows components > onedrive > prevent onedrive

install calibre ebook server and plex media server (once I have a NAS this will change)

enable file sharing and streaming for the home group

check firewall for permissions / check device is not reachable from the outside

enable file history / add shared media folders to libraries

consider growing disks for backup > FAIL – not enough SATA ports > see NAS project :)