Boyos,
 
After 6 years of using a machine built around Jim's advice, I bought a new i7 from him.  Beautiful machine, fully tweaked, and ready for DAW installations. Jim is most congenial and full of information. Prices are competitive. Highly recommend.
 
What is the best way to get a complete basic install of SONAR and then follow with updates.  Not sure where to start.  I have not used synthesizers yet, pretty much use midi triggers for drums, pads and bass to support several live recorded guitars and vocals, lots of harmony. I haven't looked for a full basic at the Cakewalk site, but see only peace-meal add ons. What might you suggest?

You simply just open CCC and make all the lights green,  it's up to you how much of what is there you need to install. This is why CCC is handy as it keeps track of what you have.
If you also have older versions of Sonar you might want something from those as well. It is said we should always install from the bottom up and this is good advice, just do a bare bones of a few older versions to get the included plug ins and V Vocal which are not part odf SPLAT.  I have had no issues with a nice fresh install using CCC and then I also added a few things from my 8.5 and x3 version after the fact. You don't have to even install the old version unless you want V Vocal. 
If you dig around there are some threads that list what was included in the older versions. 
 
If what you are asking is should I install all the older versions of Platinum the answer is no, The latest version from October is cumulative. 
 
And don't forget to then back up the CCC download folder to a safe place. As well as log on to your my Products page and copy paste or screen shot all your serial numbers. You may need those in the future if the servers shut down. 

this thread is making by credit card throb...