Start from 0, when receive the computer. Nothing done on it, no internet or such a thing. If already things are used, made. Nice to start from a clean state by reinstalling OS. Then, you activate MacOS Firewall. Make system updates. Install very important Software you use (DAW, Audio Editing, Batch software, Zip/Rar software etc…), install very important VST you use everytime you make a session (exclude all warez things if you use) with their libraries on an external drive (Komplete from NI take huge amount of disc for instance)
In a folder in Documents you can put your Hardware drivers. Make you backup THEN.
So if you restore your backup and need to work. But the place have no internet connection you can still working. But, i like to usually go on internet and check the availability of updated version of this folder just then the restored backup is accomplish, first time the computer reboot. I then, install all drivers to work
I include in the backup, only things i trust, only things i really need. I exclude everything which is regularly updated (like drivers)
Make sense to you @HotLoveDrama ?
Also i keep important computer relative life in iClouds (mail, contact, calendar, bookmarks etc…) and website password in 1password. So i rely on those when it’s time to restore everything. it’s updated automatically when you connect to them.
(of course i keep a backup from each part as well on my data HD but icloud is reliable i never loose something)