Given that your brother "is alien to IT World", here's what I'd do ... ymmv ... ... Microsoft Security Essentials is built in to Windows 8, so nothing to do there. ... Make sure Windows Update is set to automatically install security patches and important updates ... Leave UAC in place and educate him about how it works (noting that UAC in Windows 8 is much less intrusive than Vista) ... Install Chrome & VLC Player ... otherwise leave it alone (specifically avoiding any of the third party start buttons). Why? The more "standard" his laptop, the less he'll be dependent on you for assistance. A standard, vanilla, middle of the road configuration means more ways for him to get help when needed. Set up something geeky, cool and uncommon, and he'll be calling you for help for every minor issue.