I went with this method, because I reasoned it to be the most stable start: basic OS, then all core hardware communicating properly with OS, then polish up the OS, then fluff / frivolous stuff.
Everything went really smooth and the system is functioning lightning-quick and very lean so far...
I haven't given this much thought on builds I've done for my own use so far, but now I'm starting to build systems for other people & I'm putting more effort into making sure everything is done correctly and will remain stable as long as possible (especially under the care & feeding of a typical...