Nearly OT: Complete suggestions for use on a new installed OS Windows XP Pro SP3
Daniel Menzel
I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to install
Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn´t like Windows 7 nor Linux.
So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
install on the new system.
Freeware currently running on my PC:
Firewall: Zone Alarm Free
(http://www.zonealarm.com/security/de/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm)
Anti-Virus program:
AVAST (http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html)
AVG Anti Rootkit
(http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download-avg-anti-spyware-and-anti-rootkit)
Memory Hacker:
MHS (http://www.memoryhacking.com/forums)
HexEditor MX (http://hexedit.nextsoft.de/) (free for personal use)
Notepad++ (http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/de/site.htm) (good for
editing and viewing txt files and source code)
Filesharing:
µtorrent (http://www.utorrent.com/)
Bit Che (http://www.brothersoft.com/bit-che-download-74011.html)
(offline Search Machine for Torrents)
eMule (http://www.emule.com/)
Packer:
7-ZIP (http://www.7-zip.org)
Adware & Malware & System Scanner:
Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoft.de/products/ad_aware_free.php)
SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/)
CrapCleaner CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/)
Glary Utilities (http://www.glaryutilities.com/)
OO Defrag Free
(http://www.freeware-download.com/downloaddetails/738.html) (older free
defragger - never thought about using a newer one)
Revo Uninstaller (http://www.revouninstaller.com/)
XP Antispy (http://www.xp-antispy.org/) (prevents windows from calling home)
Graphic Manipulation and Video Programs:
ASCII-Art Machine (http://www.svenbader.de)(converts pictures into ASCII
code)
Pinnacle Video Spin (http://www.videospin.com/Redesign/) (alternative to
the windows movie maker)
Virtual Dub (www.virtualdub.org)
GIMP (http://www.gimp.org)
VLC Media Player (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/) (small, fast and easy to
use)
WeGame (http://www.wegame.com/) (captures game videos)
Sound, Midi and MP3 editing & creation:
Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net)
Audiograbber (http://www.audiograbber.de/download.phtml) (rips cds)
Clickster
(http://www.pcwelt.de/downloads/multimedia/mp3_sound/mp3/75035/clickster/)
(german version at all - finds music on the web)
Lame MP3 Encoder (http://lame.sourceforge.net/)
TubeMaster++ (http://www.tubemaster.net/) (better than clickster)
Virtual CD-ROM / DVD-Drive:
Daemon Tools Lite (http://www.daemon-tools.cc/deu/home)
Tools for creating Installroutines:
B1GSetup (http://www.b1gsetup.de/)
Systeminformation:
Everest Home Edition (http://www.oldversion.com/Everest-Home-Edition.html)
Internet Applications:
Firefox Preloader (http://www.oldversion.com/Everest-Home-Edition.html)
MoZilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/) (Browser)
MoZilla Thunderbird (http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/)
(EMail Client)
HTML Editors:
Phase 5 HTML Editor (http://www.phase5.info/)
Trellian Webpage (http://www.trellian.com/webpage/)
Filebrowser:
Free Commander (http://www.freecommander.com/de/index.htm) (like the old
Norton Commander)
TeraCopy (http://www.revouninstaller.com/) (not really a browser but a
fast and reliable copy assistant)
Office Suite:
OpenOffice.Org (http://www.openoffice.org/)
Remote applications:
Tight VNC (http://www.tightvnc.com/winst.php) (I´m using this for
updating my kids pc)
I also have some games installed but they are not that important at all: :)
Thank you for any suggestions,
Daniel
--
-----------------------------
// It can be fun to use a pc \\
// :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) \\
**********************************
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* I will never learn to speak and*
* write that language correctly! *
**********************************
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bay...@gmail.com
> What bad English?? Looks fine to me!!
>
> You have a lot more stuff than I do;that should make anyone happy, I
> would think. Getting XP SP3 working right is more of a priority in my
> book;one big thing is turning off all of the MS services you have no
> need for & which can pose security risks at times.
>
> http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm
>
> http://www.overclockersclub.com/guides/windows_xp_services/2.htm
>
> http://www.optimizingpc.com/optimize/windowsservices.html
PS Note that the suggestions mostly assume that there is no LAN
involved; everything must be tailored to your particular needs.
Daniel Menzel
Setting up the system to work properly should not be a problem at all.
Thanks for the suggestions, I will look for new ideas at the sites you
posted. :)
Bob Adkins
>So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
>install on the new system.
Here are the ones I can't do without.
Daniel Menzel
> Do you still drive a VW Käfer?
LOL - No, but she worked with it every day since 7 years. So she doesn´t
want to use another windows version after the vista disaster.
> ZA has grown to be "bloatware", better are:
> - OnlineArmor Free
> http://www.tallemu.com/downloads.php
> - PCTools Firewall Plus
> http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
I heared from OnlineArmor Free but in tests I read in a few magazines ZA
got a higher score.
>
> - Avira Antivir (Free)
> http://www.free-av.com/en/download/download_servers.php
Good suggestion, I used it earlier at all. Can´t remember why I changed
to avast.
> Some time ago I replaced AdAware and Spybot by:
> - SuperAntiSpyware (Free)
> http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html
> - Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free
> http://www.malwarebytes.org/
>
> for real time protection:
> - Prevx Free
> http://www.prevx.com/
> http://www.majorgeeks.com/Prevx_CSI_-_FREE_Malware_Scanner_d5785.html
I´ll take a closer look at erightsoft SuperAntiSpyware.
Prevx only checks for crap but doesn´t remove it until you buy it.
So I think that´s no option at all.
> Yeck, Glary Utitlities, an all-singing, all-dancing, registry cleaning,
> wonder tool (does it allllllllll.)
> It is not wise to use this kind of "snake-oil".
> http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/registry-cleaners-and-system-tweaking_13.html
> http://www.edbott.com/weblog/archives/000643.html
> (and more articles available)
You think Glary Utilities is not a real choice at all?
>
>> XP Antispy (http://www.xp-antispy.org/) (prevents windows from calling home)
>
> A little bit paranoia?
> (another "tweak" tool that *can* prevent the good working of your
> Windows.)
XP Antispy is installed for some reasons like the simple way to switch
off the damn balloon tips.
>
>> Internet Applications:
>> Firefox Preloader (http://www.oldversion.com/Everest-Home-Edition.html)
>
> Why, can't you (your wife) spare a few seconds?
>
I use it because I often close my browser and open it again for deleting
the browser history and other things. A faster opening browser is
always a good thing IMHO.
>> MoZilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/) (Browser)
>> MoZilla Thunderbird (http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/)
>> (EMail Client)
>
> Consider the portable versions:
> http://portableapps.com/
>
I have no clue why I should use a portable version of both applications
if I can install and use it, too.
>> I also have some games installed but they are not that important at all: :)
>
> Does your wife really need all that software?
> (you same to want to install lots and lost of software, less is better!)
> What are the requirements of your wife (not you) for the PC?
>
No, my wife doesn´t really need all that stuff at all. The programs I
listed are on my pc. I agree that less programs would be the best
choice, but I wanted opinions if there are any better programs than the
ones posted by me.
Like you told me that one with superantispyware.
Thank you very much,
Duddits
wrote:
>Hi all,
>
>I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to install
>Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn�t like Windows 7 nor Linux.
>
>snip
I build several machines each year. This is the current list:
Security:
Antivirus
Avira AntiVir Personal
http://www.free-av.com/
I don't remove the daily popup but you can if you wish
http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-the-Popup-Ads-in-Avira-Antivir
Firewall
Agnitum Outpost Free
http://free.agnitum.com/
Spyware/Malware Control
Windows Defender (daily scans via built in scheduler)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
Malware Bytes Free (run Weekly)
http://www.malwarebytes.org/
Spyware Blaster (run monthly)
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
Spybot S&D (run monthly; Immunize & Search - don't install Tea Timer
or Hosts File protection)
http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html
Secure File Delete
Eraser
http://eraser.heidi.ie/
Encryption
TrueCrypt
http://www.truecrypt.org/
Password Storage
PasswordSafe
http://passwordsafe.sourceforge.net/
Multimedia:
Codecs
K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (Default Install including Media Player
Classic)
http://www.codecguide.com/download_mega.htm
Real Alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm
Quick Time Alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickTime_Alternative.htm
Audio Player
Fubar2000 (Install Audio CD writer, Kernel Streaming Support,
Masstagger, Monkey's Audio Decoder, and any other component that
behooves you)
http://www.foobar2000.org/
Graphics Viewer
FastStone Image Viewer
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm
System Utilities:
File Manager
FreeCommander
http://www.freecommander.com/
Archiver
Use built in support of FreeCommander or WinRar that was offered for
free a while back.
Backup
Paragon Hard Disk Manager 9.5 SE (another freebie offered a while
back)
Cleaner
CCleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com
Defrag
JKDefrag GUI (schedule automatic defrag)
http://www.emro.nl/freeware/
CD/DVD Burner
ImgBurn
http://www.imgburn.com/
Internet:
Firefox (adblock plus, BetterPrivacy, FireGestures, TabMix Plus
extensions)
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html
uTorrent
http://www.utorrent.com/
Instant Messenger
Pidgin
http://www.pidgin.im/
Productivity:
Office Suite
Open Office
http://www.openoffice.org/
Notepad replacement
Metapad
http://liquidninja.com/metapad/
Wordpad replacement
Notepad++
http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/site.htm
PDF Viewer
Foxit Reader
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/
regards
Dud
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6. Enjoy ACF!
<rev20091101>
Why Tea
> Hi all,
>
> I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to install
> Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn´t like Windows 7 nor Linux.
>
> So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
> install on the new system.
>
> Freeware currently running on my PC:
> Firewall: Zone Alarm Free
Looking at the list and the freeware listed on your
Website (not that I know German :), I think you
are an advanced PC user - way ahead of many of
those who regularly post advice.
The link to B1gsetup.de seems to be broken. I
have been using Excelsior installer and I think it's
pretty good: http://installer.excelsior-usa.com/en/.
I discovered Picpick here not long ago. It's
excellent for screen capture (captures even
when IrfanView fails). For simple image
editing tasks, it's 100 times simpler and faster
to do with Picpick than GIMP.
For Hex editor, I have been using this Xvi32 for
quite some time and it's made in Germany:
http://www.chmaas.handshake.de/delphi/freeware/xvi32/xvi32.htm
For file manager, the OFM (see
http://www.softpanorama.org/OFM/index.shtml)
is obviously a better paradigm than Windows
Explorer and Xtree type of file managers. While
there are many freeware OFM's, I think there
is nothing that beats the best known payware
OFM. I won't mention the name as it's a taboo
to do so here.
/Why Tea
Craig
> Hi all,
...
>
> So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
> install on the new system.
Hi Daniel;
First off, thanks again for posting about
<http://www.opensource-dvd.de/isodownload.htm>. Nice, practically
comprehensive collection. Before I give you a list of essential s/w...
How will your wife most likely use the PC? For example: Surf & email?
Or that and desktop publishing or, photo organization or program
management...
ciao,
--
-Craig
Bjorn S.
>I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to install
>Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn�t like Windows 7 nor Linux.
>
>So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
>install on the new system.
To help you maintain it/and for future reinstalls:
<http://www.wsusoffline.net/>
"At this site, the open source project formerly
known as "c't offline update" or "DIY Service
Pack" and published at "The H", will be continued
by its original author, Torsten Wittrock.
Using "WSUS Offline Update", you can update any
computer running Microsoft Windows safely, quickly
and without an Internet connection. As licensed
under "GNU GPL", you still may download and use
the software from this site for free.
Nevertheless, your donation would help to keep
this state."
Earlier versions published by "H" (German C'T mag):
<http://www.h-online.com/security/features/Offline-Update-746179.html>
Original project described (2006)
<http://www.h-online.com/security/features/Do-it-yourself-Service-Pack-747193.html>
--
All the best,
Bjorn S.
- I only post via <news.individual.net> or <news.broadpark.no>!
Daniel Menzel
>
> Never trust commercial magazines, their opinion is (often) based on
> income of advertisements.
> For comparison of firewalls I look at this:
> http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php
Maybe that they are paid, but I trust them more than any website on
where you also can not look behind the scenes.
>>> - Avira Antivir (Free)
>>> http://www.free-av.com/en/download/download_servers.php
Thank you for the tips on Antivir. I set up a virtual machine yesterday
on which I gonna test several AV programs, this would be my second
choice after avast.
>
> Please use both SAS and MBAM as a combo, they are complimentary.
> (use both for on-demand scanning)
>
This will also be checked first on the virtual pc.
>
> It is a very nice program.
> I switched to Prevx (free) after BOClean was no longer available.
> It gives you early warning, after which you can use other (on-demand)
> programs to remove the intruders.
> Try it.
>
Isn´t it senseless to install a program that scans for malware but
doesn´t remove it so you have to use another program to remove it?
>
> Never Glary Utilities (of whatever "tune-up utilities") on my PC.
> I like to keep my PC in (good) working order.
> ;-)
I understand this. :)
>>>> Firefox Preloader
>
> I suppose you mean this one:
> http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffpreloader/
>
Yes, that´s the one.
> Tools, Options, Privacy, "clear history ..."
> That should be sufficient.
> (how much "history" and what kind of "history" do you collect, that you
> would want to remove that "history" so often? - no need to answer.)
> ;-)
My wife´s and mine pc is used by the kids and for working also. The kids
mustn´t see what we´re writing and doing online. ;)
>
> It was just an idea.
> Maybe you will discover the advantages of portable applications later.
>
I discovered it for my live usb system. :)
> Good luck.
Thank you,
Daniel Menzel
> Firewall
> Agnitum Outpost Free
> http://free.agnitum.com/
>
Another new firewall to me. I´ll check this one out too.
>
> Multimedia:
>
> Codecs
> K-Lite Mega Codec Pack (Default Install including Media Player
> Classic)
> http://www.codecguide.com/download_mega.htm
Thank you for sugessting this codec pack.
> Real Alternative
> http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm
Just installed it and it seems to work fine. Nice! :)
> Quick Time Alternative
> http://www.free-codecs.com/download/QuickTime_Alternative.htm
I earlier had problems by converting videos from my cellphone with this
one. Perhaps this problem is fixed by now.
> Backup
> Paragon Hard Disk Manager 9.5 SE (another freebie offered a while
> back)
I just used clonezilla for doing backups. Does it work well?
> CD/DVD Burner
> ImgBurn
> http://www.imgburn.com/
LOL - I see, I really forgot to look for a CD / DVD burning software.
Thx! :)
Daniel Menzel
> Looking at the list and the freeware listed on your
> Website (not that I know German :), I think you
> are an advanced PC user - way ahead of many of
> those who regularly post advice.
I wanted advice to make the pc run with all necessary tools needed.
There are always alternatives to the ones I use - which perhaps aren´t
the best programs at all.
>
> The link to B1gsetup.de seems to be broken. I
> have been using Excelsior installer and I think it's
> pretty good: http://installer.excelsior-usa.com/en/.
>
I´ll check the broken link later on. The installer seems to be a
very good alternative to the ones I use to create setups. Nice find.
> I discovered Picpick here not long ago. It's
> excellent for screen capture (captures even
> when IrfanView fails). For simple image
> editing tasks, it's 100 times simpler and faster
> to do with Picpick than GIMP.
Is Picpick able to capture gamedemos at all? Heared about it before but
I think it wasn´t able to do this.
> For Hex editor, I have been using this Xvi32 for
> quite some time and it's made in Germany:
> http://www.chmaas.handshake.de/delphi/freeware/xvi32/xvi32.htm
Why didn´t I find this one earlier? xD
> For file manager, the OFM (see
> http://www.softpanorama.org/OFM/index.shtml)
> is obviously a better paradigm than Windows
> Explorer and Xtree type of file managers. While
> there are many freeware OFM's, I think there
> is nothing that beats the best known payware
> OFM. I won't mention the name as it's a taboo
> to do so here.
>
> /Why Tea
There are a lot of good ones out there right.
I´ll look at the one you wrote this afternoon.
Thx,
Daniel Menzel
>
> First off, thanks again for posting about
> <http://www.opensource-dvd.de/isodownload.htm>. Nice, practically
> comprehensive collection. Before I give you a list of essential s/w...
> How will your wife most likely use the PC? For example: Surf & email?
> Or that and desktop publishing or, photo organization or program
> management...
>
The pc is used for writing letters, surfing, emailing, cutting videos,
burning dvds and playing games. Nearly everything you can do with a
system. The only thing what will be not needed on it is programming
software for html and other languages. :)
Daniel Menzel
Thank you for this nice piece of software. It will be pretty helpful too me.
John Corliss
> Hi all,
>
> I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to install
> Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn´t like Windows 7 nor
> Linux.
>
> So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
A direct link to L. Spiro's Memory Hacking Software is here:
--
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Googlespam) and all x-privat.org posts (because of the forgery flood
posted through that service) with NewsProxy. No ad, cd, commercial,
cripple, demo, nag, share, spy, time-limited, trial or web wares OR
warez for me, please.
Craig
> Craig schrieb:
>>
>> First off, thanks again for posting about
>> <http://www.opensource-dvd.de/isodownload.htm>. Nice, practically
>> comprehensive collection. Before I give you a list of essential s/w...
>> How will your wife most likely use the PC? For example: Surf & email?
>> Or that and desktop publishing or, photo organization or program
>> management...
>>
>
> The pc is used for writing letters, surfing, emailing, cutting videos,
> burning dvds and playing games. Nearly everything you can do with a
> system. The only thing what will be not needed on it is programming
> software for html and other languages. :)
>
> Daniel
Hi Daniel;
Can't speak for cutting videos or playing games but:
Overall, I'd install whatever you're using. That makes it easier to
administer. Apart from that:
Writing: Openoffice. It's overkill but can make very pretty stationery
Surfing: Firefox. Fast, (relatively) secure, customizable
Emailing: Thunderbird 3. It'll be release-candidate (RC) but it's ready
Burning: Imgburn. Quirky but flexible & powerful. Excellent How-To's.
Games: Eclipse Crossword. Build crosswords... to play, as gifts
Anti-malware: Microsoft Security Essentials. Transparent to user.
(Bonus... TBird3 extenstion: Lightning calendaring works the charm.)
Have fun!
--
-Craig
Daniel Menzel
> Daniel Menzel wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to install
>> Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn´t like Windows 7 nor
>> Linux.
>>
>> So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
>> install on the new system. (snip)
>
> A direct link to L. Spiro's Memory Hacking Software is here:
>
> http://www.memoryhacking.com
>
Thx for the correction.
Ron
> John Corliss schrieb:
>> Daniel Menzel wrote:
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to install
>>> Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn´t like Windows 7 nor
>>> Linux.
>>>
>>> So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
>>> install on the new system. (snip)
>>
>> A direct link to L. Spiro's Memory Hacking Software is here:
>>
>> http://www.memoryhacking.com
>>
>
> Thx for the correction.
>
> Daniel
>
http://www.memoryhacking.com/download.php
hth
Ron Moore
John Corliss
> Daniel Menzel wrote:
>> John Corliss schrieb:
>>> Daniel Menzel wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> I want to buy a new pc for my wife this christmas and want to
>>>> install Windows XP SP3 on the machine, because she doesn´t like
>>>> Windows 7 nor Linux.
>>>>
>>>> So I ask ACF (you all) for a complete list of essential freeware to
>>>> install on the new system. (snip)
>>>
>>> A direct link to L. Spiro's Memory Hacking Software is here:
>>>
>>> http://www.memoryhacking.com
>>>
>>
>> Thx for the correction.
>
> http://www.memoryhacking.com/download.php
>
> hth
According to this page:
http://deletionpedia.dbatley.com/w/index.php?title=L.Sprio%27s_Memory_Hacking_Software_%28deleted_26_Apr_2008_at_15:46%29
(link may wrap)
"L.Spiro's Memory Hacking Software (usually abbreviated as MHS) is
similar to Cheat Engine, which is a memory/hex editing software. It is a
software made to avoid the detection of anti-cheat software, which
include GameGuard and Xtrap. It is an award-winning software with a
5-star rating on SoftSea. Like Cheat Engine, It includes various
scanning options, which include data-type search, pointer search, string
search, group search and script search. Users can then track the scanned
results by a sub-search with "decreased value", "increased value" and
other options. It is especially useful for hacking flash games, online
games and N64 games. MHS is free software and is updated regularly."
Probably not something I would have a use for, but thanks anyway. I was
just curious about its use.
--
John Corliss BS206. Using News Proxy, I block all Google Groups posts
due to Googlespam, and all x-privat.org posts due to forgeries posted
through that service.
Daniel Menzel
>
> Probably not something I would have a use for, but thanks anyway. I was
> just curious about its use.
>
But it´s a nice piece of stuff. :)
John Corliss
> John Corliss schrieb:
>>
>> Probably not something I would have a use for, but thanks anyway. I
>> was just curious about its use.
>>
>
> But it´s a nice piece of stuff. :)
Yeah, I downloaded it for my archives in case I ever DO have a use for
it. 80)>