Some advice on whap programs tp use on newly setup pc/laptop

[WispGB]

Hi guys

Just after a bit of advice really on what programs I should put on my PC/Laptop to keep them safe and running smoothly and enhance performance. Also advice on things like web browsers and email clients would be helpful.

I am unsure of the full specs of my devices however I do know the PC is pretty decent, it has 6gb ram, a 1tb hard drive and I think a 2.8ghz duel core processor. I also know that the laptop is pretty awful. It is a Dell Vostro provided by my university. I will be using the PC as my main system and my laptop primarily for uni work.

Anyway any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Wisp

 

[Prof Kerfuffle]

Hi

Emm, I will list basic programs I use to keep life easy, fast and efficient. (*basic programs*)

Office 2010 Try Office 2010
Postbox V3. (free version is thunderbird) *email client* Thunderbird email
Google Chrome as primary web browser *Free and use adblocker* Google Chrome
Memory cleaner *clears ram cache* (Speeds up pc when slow) *Free* Memory Cleaner
VLC *Open source media player* *Free* VLC
Microsoft security essentials *Free* MSE
Soluto (Speed up start up) *Free* Soluto


I find free programs are generally better than paid for when doing simple tasks.

Hope this helps

 

[indianacarnie]

Opera as a browser, Pale Moon as a second choice. (Beware of the Chrome tracker!)
Avast free for your Anti-virus.
Malwarebytes
SuperAntiSpyware
VLC media player
Ccleaner
Revo or Your uninstaller
Faststone Image Viewer
Extract Now, for zip and rar. (and many more)

These are all free btw.

 

[kado897]

If you don't wat to shell out for office try Libre Office its free. LibreOffice Productivity Suite Download » LibreOffice

I wouldn't use any RAM management software. Win 7 does a good job of managing itself.
Soluto is useful if you have a lot of startup programs but it caused me problems. It was still in beta when I tried it so maybe it has improved.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Wisp,
Welcome to SF. What type of work do you do for the University? Basics for sure would be Office Professional 2010, Use the Microsoft Security Essentials with Malwarebytes, 7 zip for zipped files, Media Monkey for music files, Acronis True Image for back up and drive imaging and I couldn't live with out Photoshop......but that's me and my idea of basic's. Look here for other idea's for free software http://www.sevenforums.com/software/92-free-great-programs-windows-7-a.html
With your student/faculty status you should be afforded great discounts on all types of software that many of us can't take advantage of.

 

[curtiswardwell]

A lot of people are going to give different advice on what software and antivirus to use. I myself just keep it simple and have not had any issues at all. I use Microsoft Security Essentials, Malware Bytes Anti Malware, Glary Utilities or CCleaner. The best suggestion if you are going to school ask some of your instructors and other students that you trust. If you are not taking any computer courses check with the faculty staff members that teach techonolgy courses and see what they recommend.

Still Learning, Learning Still

Curtis

 

[WispGB]

Thanks for all your help guys.

With regards to my Uni work I only really need to word process, use spreadsheets and presentations so Word, Excel and Powerpoint should be fine of witch I have the CDs somewhere I think.

I will do some research in to the other bits of software and see what will be required. I might trial it all on this laptop because I can always restore it and work out from that what I want to put on my PC.

Thanks again.

Wisp

 

[kado897]

You are welcome Wisp and the best of luck at Uni.