I got a computer

Jason · **Posted:** December 29th, 2009, 8:50 pm

I got my own computer for Christmas and in the past I haven't been allowed to download any programs. I have already downloaded MSN but don't know of anything else to get. So I thought I would ask you guys for some suggestions.

Specs to guide you:

OS- Windows 7
Graphics card- Nvidia GeForce 8200m g

I thinks thats all I would need to let yall know. Thanks for any help.

Adbot · **Posted:** December 29th, 2009, 8:50 pm

Arvalin · **Posted:** December 30th, 2009, 1:10 am

VLC = Best Media Player out there
Firefox = Screw IE
Ventrillio = If you use it, I always forget to download it till the last second after reinstalls
Vuze = If you torrent
PowerISO = For virtual mounting, I personally like it better than daemon
Xfire = A gamers IM client

Aquw VettelS 776 · **Posted:** December 30th, 2009, 5:09 am

Chrome browser, VLC media player, Comodo free firewall, Windows Live Essentials (MSN, Movie Maker, etc.)

King Kulla · **Posted:** December 30th, 2009, 5:18 am

iTunes as well, if you have an iPod of any sort. Also good for buying music pretty cheap.

Skype's always handy for voice chat, Steam is good for games, VLC for videos, Teamspeak or Ventrilo in case you're in a clan or something like that that would need group convos, Adobe Reader so you can actually read webpages.

I'm sure there are more out there, but those are what I have. Don't forget a good antivirus and stuff like that, and Microsoft Office if you're a student.

Bonsai99 · **Posted:** January 4th, 2010, 7:00 pm

Chrome is better than firefox speedwise but i like firefox because of its useful extensions.For anti-virus i recommend avira anti-virus its free and it uses very little ram and cpu and it is one of the best anti-virus programs in my opinion. Also i use a program called ccleaner its great for cleaning out the registry/fixing registry problems and it clears unnecessary files from your computer like cookes etc.

Alex_SE · **Posted:** January 5th, 2010, 4:17 pm

It depends on your tastes.
A person using opera will say opera is the best browser out there, while a IE user while say IE is the best of the best.
Same goes for all other software

Some browsers for you to choose:
Firefox
Opera
Safari
Chrome

Tweak and cleaning programmes:
CCleaner
Winxp Manager (not free)
Tuneup Utilities 2010 (not free)
Ignore any Pctools software at ALL COST!

Anti-malware/Anti-virus:
Avira
Comodo
Malwarebytes anti-malware

Firewall:
Comodo

Anti-virus + Firewall Combo:
Comodo Internet Security (I wouldn't recommend this though. Comodo's anti-virus is still a bit underdeveloped. However its the best free firewall out there at the moment if you want to install just the firewall).

Note: I tested all the software listed here and I can guarantee its safe to use them. The rest is up to you.

Adbot · **Posted:** January 5th, 2010, 4:17 pm

Duke Juker · RSBandB Donor since 07/01/2010

Just on a side note, I use Ad-Aware and AVG as anti-virus software. Is that necessary? And if it is, should I be using something else that's better or perhaps more efficient? AVG can take a long time to run, but it does get rid of a lot of cookies and the occasional data miner and key logger. I figured since nike wants to know about programs to download, I'll ask if there are any good anti-virus software applications out there to get as well.

On topic: Everything I would recommend is mentioned in various posts above. I recognize probably a 1/5 of those programs, most of which I use myself. All good advice.

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

You don't need multiple programs running for security. They could conflict with eachother, potentially causing some decent errors that prevent you from effectively using your computer.

For free antivirus / antimalware / antispyware, I'd recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. It's currently got the best rating of all for free antiviruses.

And a personal note to Duke Juker - If AVG is finding keyloggers / data miners (cookies aren't dangerous, and removing them isn't a problem) consistently, you've got problems. For one, AVG is allowing these onto your system, and not catching them until a more complete scan. But the fact that they're showing up scan after scan worries me. I'd really consider either switching to another antivirus to try to eliminate the problem(s), or do a full reinstall to eradicate whatever is causing your problems. This won't prevent against user error though.. Be sure what you're doing doesn't cause the problems you're trying to prevent.
The scan length really doesn't matter; I mean, which would you want, a fast antivirus that missed something or mis-identified a harmless file, or a slower antivirus that correctly identifies problems?