TechNudge Live's Checklist For Loading Up The New PC
Setting up a desktop takes quite a bit of time and effort. Setting up Windows and updating it is just the start. As I was collecting software across the internet for my latest desktop, I decided to make a list of software and utilities that are needed to setup a new Windows XP computer. Keep it handy for the next time you boot up a computer for the first time. This will be useful for do-it-yourself builds, as well as preassembled desktops and notebooks.
Although most devices ship with their software on a CD, it is often out of date. The manufacturer's websites have the most up to date drivers.
-Update the motherboard bios directly from the manufacturer's site
-Update Windows with the latest service packs and patches
-Load the latest graphics drivers (Nvidia, ATI)
-Audio drivers for sound boards, or integrated audio
-Drivers for mouse and keyboard (Logitech)
-Antivirus software: It's important to go with one that stays up to date. AV Grisoft is free for individuals and updates automatically a few times a week.
-Antispyware See PC World for some affordable and free choices.
-Image editing Picasa from Google is a good free program for light editing duties.
-Word processing: Open Office is a free alternative to the Microsoft Office Suite.
-PDF: Remember FoxIt and PDF Machine for both reading and creating PDF's with affordable efficiency.
-Alternative Browsers: I run FireFox and Maxthon
-MP3 Creation: Load up iTunes for one stop MP3 creation and playback. As a bonus you also get Quicktime player in the iTunes download and install.
-The Flash and Shockwave plugins are needed for the latest web sites.
-Optical Disc Burning: Nero is my personal favorite which can handle any disc creation task, but you will have to pay for it.
-Zip File Manager: Zip files are very popular when downloading, and uploading. Check out ZipGenius as an freeware alternative to WinZip.
Spending a few hours up front can set your computer up for years of trouble free service. Having a high speed connection definitely speeds up the larger downloads. Perhaps one day Microsoft can sell us an operating system that doesn't require a weekend full of patching!
Of course, your comments are welcomed on any of your favorites that you would like to share!
--Jonas
Although most devices ship with their software on a CD, it is often out of date. The manufacturer's websites have the most up to date drivers.
-Update the motherboard bios directly from the manufacturer's site
-Update Windows with the latest service packs and patches
-Load the latest graphics drivers (Nvidia, ATI)
-Audio drivers for sound boards, or integrated audio
-Drivers for mouse and keyboard (Logitech)
-Antivirus software: It's important to go with one that stays up to date. AV Grisoft is free for individuals and updates automatically a few times a week.
-Antispyware See PC World for some affordable and free choices.
-Image editing Picasa from Google is a good free program for light editing duties.
-Word processing: Open Office is a free alternative to the Microsoft Office Suite.
-PDF: Remember FoxIt and PDF Machine for both reading and creating PDF's with affordable efficiency.
-Alternative Browsers: I run FireFox and Maxthon
-MP3 Creation: Load up iTunes for one stop MP3 creation and playback. As a bonus you also get Quicktime player in the iTunes download and install.
-The Flash and Shockwave plugins are needed for the latest web sites.
-Optical Disc Burning: Nero is my personal favorite which can handle any disc creation task, but you will have to pay for it.
-Zip File Manager: Zip files are very popular when downloading, and uploading. Check out ZipGenius as an freeware alternative to WinZip.
Spending a few hours up front can set your computer up for years of trouble free service. Having a high speed connection definitely speeds up the larger downloads. Perhaps one day Microsoft can sell us an operating system that doesn't require a weekend full of patching!
Of course, your comments are welcomed on any of your favorites that you would like to share!
--Jonas
posted by digitaldoc at 9:26 PM
10 Comments:
Never, ever, update the motherboard BIOS unless it's a dire and life challenging emergency.
Wuss! ;-} I update the BIOS all the time. I had a problem once in 1989 with a Gigabyte motherboard because they forgot to mention turning caching off before hand. Other than that, I've had no problems.
VLC is a good free video viewing program. It can be used as a DVD viewer for personal veiwing, or as a streaming program to your other PC's so you can have a video server.
www.videolan.org
Thanks RapComp!
Dire emergency? that must be the story of my life!
I haven't had a BIOS flashing problem since 1994 when I was updating 1000 computers for a school.
Lots of motherboards even start the updating in Windows XP. No more floppies or CDs required.
You really shouldnt update the motherboard BIOS unless your system is functioning incorectly. Improper updates can toast your motherboard, rendering your system useless. Think about it, if your system is functioning correctly, is this risk worth it?
Why add any Zip software? XP will unzip natively.
I would add Google Earth to this list, because it is 1) Free and 2) Impossibly cool.
Oh, yeah: and here's a pretty good list of decent freeware. I have a few of these. http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=320017
Hey Jonas,
I just got this today. It's right up this alley.
http://www.download.com/Security-Starter-Kit/1200-2023_4-5159800.html?tag=nl.e415
Thanks!
I'll check it out.
--Jonas
Post a Comment
<< Home