I've reformatted my computer with windows, which basic programs would i need to download now?

Question

for example: i can't play music or videos, which programs do i need for this?

Answer 1

Well...I dont know exactly what you do, but here is what I download right after I reload windows.

Spybot Search and Destroy

Adaware

Zonealarm Security Suite 2006

AVG virus scanner

Ccleaner

Yahoo Anti Spy Toolbar

SUPERantispy

Yahoo Messanger

Windows Media Player 11

Windows Media Player Classic (for playing DVDs...I think its Classic that is.)

Mozilla 2

Internet Explorer 7

Cheetah DVD + CD Burner (A program I bought online)

Winrar (Opening RAR Files)

Winzip (For Opening Zipped Files)

Winuha (For Opening UHA Files

VLC (Plays stuff WMP doesnt)

WeatherPulse (Shows any weather changes in my area, and any weather warnings)

IFRANview (I use it instead of windows picture viewer)

Force Shutdown (Shuts down windows without asking to shutdown programs, and it takes less time)

MagicISO (So I can play my PS1 games on my computer)

Audacity (So I can edit Music, Im not a profressional, so a free program is good)


And most of these programs are free, or, a free version is available. Like, Zonealarm has a free firewall, but it doesnt have Virus and Spyware scan, but it protects against it. The DVD burner though, is a paid program. Other then that, the other programs are free for the most part. Some have a 30 day trail, like Winrar, but you can still use it after the 30day trail, but I believe its illegal cause your supposed to buy a code.

When I first start, I put a firewall on immediately, before I even go online. All the programs listed I put on at first, regardless. They are the programs that I run all the time. The ones you don't really need, MagicISO, Audacity, WeatherPulse, IFRANview, and Force Shutdown. The first three are fun to have. The last two make things easier.

Now, for everything else, I would put on. A cd/dvd burner is all but needed nowadays. A couple different programs to run videos, play music. A lot of programs to fight off Adware, Spyware, Viruses, Etc. A couple highly secure browsers, though Firefox outdoes Internet Explorer. The only reason I still have it is cause I cant access microsoft updates without it.

Also, You dont want all these running at once. The only ones that should be running all the time is the Firewall (Not windows Firewall), Spybot, Yahoo maybe...and thats about it. The others should be set not to come on when your computer comes on, otherwise youll have alot of lag. Also, you don't want doubles of programs if you can help it. Like, a single photo viewer is good, you don't need 2 or 3. Windows Media Player 11, and VLC are the only media players I suggest. If you put Winamp, and Itunes, and Media Monkey...etc...it just clutters you computer. You only need one player to play music. VLC is just a backup in case WMP 11 doesnt support a certain file name.

In the end, its all your choice. These are my suggestions, and most of them are free, or have free versions.

Answer 2

You probably just need the latest version of Windows Media Player. If not, then you may need to download Quicktime from Apple. It really depends on what kind of file the movie is.

Other software to install is anti-virus, an office suite, a firewall if you don't have one, any drivers that were not included with Windows, a PDF reader, and some sort of unzipping software (if necessary).

Answer 3

windows media player comes standard with wiindows 2000 and above so you should be able to play them(you can download it from microsoft if you don't have it). You may want to install realplayer and quicktime if you watch alot of videes/music with a lot of different formats. You need to put on any software you need to connect to the internet. You need to download shockwave and flash. Finally you need to install any programs you would be using that are from microsoft(EX Office 2007) and then run a microsoft update(helps keep your computer secure). You need to install drivers for your componets(EX Nero for a DVDRW player). You also need to get some antivirus/firewall software like MAcAffe or Adware.

Answer 4

Do all or most of the updates for winodws. This will give you windows media player. Also check out www.download.com to get yourself an antivirus and spyware protection, along with a firewall program. Get winzip or winrar, windows defender. Adobe acrobat reader. Flash player. Thats all I can think of at the moment.

Answer 5

The first basic programs you should download is
Antivirus
Antsypware
Firewall
cCleaner

In the following link are freeware programs that are proven.
I have install on all my computers
AVG antivirus
AVG antispyware
Spybot S&D
AdAware SE
SpywareGuard
SpywareBlaster
MS Defender (XP only)
a²

Answer 6

Hard to say,i've done it several time's and each time i lost or had to reinstall something different.Just go into all your programs and make sure there still working,if not just reinstall them.Mail should be ok,address book ,messenger im not sure.Tool bars should be there to.Just look and if you dont see anything at the time,just remember if you have any problems either downloadd it or reinstall it again.Check printer,and external hardware.You'll be ok.

Answer 7

It has risks associated with switching Operating Systems. You can go out and buy a removable hard drive for like 40 dollars that will have enough room for your files that you just cant lose. Back up those precious files externally then do the switch and you should be fine. WORD TO THE WISE: DONT BUY VISTA!

Answer 8

if u have windows xp just run windows update and it will install media player 11

Answer 9

you can use IfranView(freeware from www.irfanview.com) for image viewing, Windows Media Player / winamp (from www.winamp.com)

Answer 10

go to Download.com a pick and choose what you want from the
PC STARTER KIT

http://www.download.com/PC-Starter-Kit/2001-12350_4-0.html?tag=dir