Windows 7: I've reformatted my computer and want advice on software (un)install

I just reformatted my computer since it was still acting up slightly. I wasn't getting any BSODs but some things were just off with it.

I just finished the reformatting and I've installed:

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• MalwareBytes AntiMalware
• Firefox
• Chrome

I'm also currently doing all the Windows Updates. (long list)


I'm wondering what other software I should install as far as security goes, firefox addons, and tweaking Windows 7 so I'm not loading anything on startup that isn't necessary.

I'm also wanting to know exactly what software I should remove (bloatware included in Dell install disk). Is there an easy way I am able to show a list of the software installed?




Also, sorry if this isn't the proper section, it was the one that seemed most appropriate.

That's a decent start but not sure why you need two browsers. Tweaking of Windows 7 shouldn't be necessary. You can download and install CCleaner to remove temp files and such but Do NOT run it with the default selections after installed. Choose the options carefully or with help. Also, be sure to download it from the Piriform site.

If you run the SF Diagnostic Tool and upload the zipped file, we can take a look at what's running and make better suggestions. Before doing that, make sure your Dell drivers are all up to date.

What settings should I use for CCleaner? (That happens to be one of the tools I had on my list to install.)

I'll run the SF Diagnostic Tool as soon as I update my drivers. To update my drivers, do you suggest I use a tool (such as driver genius or driver magician) or should I base it off Windows Updates and also search for them on my own?

As for two browsers, some sites that I visit show up better through one browser and others show up better in the other browser. I also write some scripts that deal with user agents and those are the two main ones I test on.

Please go to your My System Specs and update your specs.
Lower left corner of your post.

Updated, let me know if I need to fill in more.

I know you've gone through a lot of effort and time to get to this point, but, NEXT TIME, do a clean install using the key on the bottom of your laptop. You can download the iso that matches your OS from Digital River and burn it to dvd using ImgBurn at 4x speed.
Close to the beginning of the install you'll see an option to work on the existing partitions. Delete them so you're all unallocated, and continue the install from there.

For now, I would delete all the Dell crapware. But install Revo Uninstaller first, then use it to clean up the Dell stuff.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/offici...digital-river/

Apologies, what is the difference between using an OS from Digital River and the factory restore from Dell Datasafe? Just the bloatware that Dell includes?

I'll begin removing the bloatware this afternoon

Yes, that is where it differs.

It is always good to have several browsers. I have 4.

I use Firefox and Chrome because some things run better on one rather than the other. Also, some browser updates may break some functionality for a little while........in other words: "A man, sometimes needs two browsers." ~Jaqen H'ghar

To the OP: Here is something you should check out. You can install several programs at once, and run the program again to keep those programs updated. It's handy as a shirt pocket. Ninite

Hello,

As for security I advise MSE, which you already installed. A good addition to this is CCleaner, which is a free registry cleaner, it's very handy. And as for formatting I advise Defraggler, which is quite a bit faster and easyer in use as the standard Windows tool.
If you really value security, you can always install Hitman Pro; but this one isn't free after a 30 day trail.

As for browser addons and browsers in general, I highly advose you not to use Chrome. Chrome sends all user data to Google servers, and therefor can be defined as a socalled "botnet". If you want to use a chromium based browser, I advise Chromium itself, which is Chrome, but without the botnet.
Most users install addons to their liking, but I think that you should at least have these Addblocker and Cookie-Blocker as essentials.

Nommy