Call me paranoid, but I want my first notebook to start off without any hitches and maximum performance. I'm asking all of you well seasoned laptop owners to advise me of all the little tips and tricks you've learned in dealing with laptops. Posting sites to other posts/discussions is great too!
My system:
Dell 9200
Windows XP Home
Screen: WXGA+ (yes I knew about the horrific problem with the WUXGA "pixeling" thanks to your cnet reviews)
2.0 MHz Centrino
512 mb RAM, 80 gb harddrive
I'm mostly concerned with setting up my system to peak efficiency, updating and drivers or software, and making sure my documents and operating system are secure and not floating around cyberspace. My goal was to accomplish this (and save a system restore point) before I start adding my own software. But before I jump headfirst into something I'm not totally sure about, I'd appreciate any advise you offer to save me from future frustration and "I should done that" remarks.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic