by Matthew Garrett

Created on: May 26, 2009

I've set up a few people's computers in my time. And every time I would set one up, I'd have this conversation with them. This guide will help you set up your PC to be not only powerful, but clean and work nicely. Also, all the software is free!

I've ordered the software in order of importance.

A) Important Software.
1) Firefox / Opera - When setting up windows, Internet Explorer is NOT the browser you want to use. It's insecure and not very functional. Replace it with a better browser like Mozilla Firefox or Opera. A simple Google search will provide you the links to downloading it. Firefox is very extensible, and has a lot of nice features, and is pretty lightweight. However, if Firefox doesn't float your boat, Opera is a lighter browser and may be a better choice for you!

2) OpenOffice/AbiWord - OpenOffice is a full-fledged alternative to Microsoft Office. It's completely compatible with Microsoft Office files, including the newer 2007 files. It's written in Java, so it's a bit slow, but other than that, it's a very very good application suite. But, if that's too slow for you, or you just want a word alternative, AbiWord is much more light, but less useful. It'll do the trick, but it's not quite as powerful as OpenOffice's Writer is.

3) ClamWin AntiVirus - This is a MUST HAVE for virus scanners. It doesn't offer live protection, but you can scan anything you might be curious about.

4) VLC Media Player - This program is probably one of the best audio / video players in the world. It'll play any file you throw at it. It's very powerful, and light-weight. Supports 99% of formats out there.

B) Less Important, but useful software.

5) WinAmp / foobar2000 - Both are very good media players. However, foobar is, like the other programs I've listed second, very lightweight. It's a bit difficult for a not-so-computer savvy computer user to navigate through, and if it's too much, try WinAmp, which is much like Windows Media Player, but can read much more, loads faster, and works better.

6) ImgBurn - This program is your all around CD burning and ripping program. It's extremely useful, and supports .cue, and integrates with Windows Explorer. Useful for all burning and ripping needs!

7) Pidgin - Use AIM or MSN? UNINSTALL LIVE! UNINSTALL AIM 6.9! UNINSTALL YAHOO INSTANT MESSENGER! Get Pidgin. It uses almost any protocol you can think, Aim, Yim, Xfire, Skype, MSN, Irc, Jabber, QQ, and WAY more! It's lightweight and compatible with a lot of things. It's quite possibly the best IM clients that could ever exist and ever will exist.

8) Mozilla Thunderbird - A good replacement for Outlook, Thunderbird offers the power of Mozilla Firefox, but as a mail client! Integrates well with gmail, and uses POP3 and IMAP to receive mail. Very clean and works well!

C) Some other ideas for software to check into:
JKDefrag - Hard disk Defragmentation tool.
uTorrent - Torrent client
Last.FM - Internet Radio
XFire - In game IM chat
Mozilla Sunbird - Calender program

I believe this is a compilation of useful freeware that will make any PC 50% better or more than the software that is already running on it.

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