New Laptop - What Programs?

[stealth]

I just got my new laptop, and want to keep it in tip top shape using good software.

I have ran years without Anti Virus, but this one came with McAffee, for some reason I hate McAffee and want to remove it. What is the best AV software that can be had for "free", or should I continue with my old practice of not running AV?

Web browser. I used to be a hardcore FireFox user, then tried Google Chrome, which is the best web browser out their right now?

[StreetRacerX]

I'm a Firefox guy myself, I haven't tried Google Chrome because Firefox meets my browsing needs fine and dandy.

I usually download a program called CC Cleaner for the odd bit of clean up and what not on the computer, I think it's a pretty cool tool that allows to do various things such as clean the Registry/check it for errors, I suppose you can just use disc clean up but I use its clean up instead.


I use AVG and Ad-Aware SE for anti virus

[dj_rice]

Programs for what though?

Anti-virus: (All free and top-rated)

AVG
Avast
Microsoft Security Essentials.


For paid virus scans, all reviews point to Kaspersky.

I use MSE + Ad-Aware.


For music, Winamp still reigns supreme I think, simple and easy to use.

Movie player I must need is VLC. This shit plays everything. I used to use Media Player Classic then it started fubaring

For torrents, I still use BitTorrent but people say UTorrent is the best.

[captain134]

Microsoft Security Essentials is the best I have used. I also recommend Google chrome.

A great website for getting software when starting fresh is ninite.com

[sabad66]

For browser, definitely go with Chrome.. I switch around every few months, but always come back to Chrome. It's the fastest in everything (loading up, rendering, etc).

utorrent > * for torrents

antivirus - MSE

If you have an iPod or iPhone, you're stuck with itunes. I used to hate it too, but whatever, it's grown on me. I really like the smart playlists.

download the k-lite codec pack is well if you download movies. Usually you can install Media Player Classic with it, which is really lightweight and is IMO the best movie player.

Oh yeah, and definitely get a copy of MS Office 2007 or 2010.

[stealth]

Does MSE send "random" information to MS that could possibly give you grief, say if you download questionable programs...

[sabad66]

Nah, as long as you have a legit version of windows, you're okay. Even if it wasn't legit, the only thing they can do is stop you from installing updates and stuff... AFAIK s/w companies are not allowed to get your personal info and send it to them if you're pirating.

[Grogador]

First thing I would do is format it and reinstall a clean version of Windows, to get rid of all the manuf-provided trash that laptops come clogged with. After that, you can't really go wrong with anything in Ninite (http://forums.beyond.ca/st/292108/ninite-easy-pc-setup/) and it's super quick!

+1 for Chrome
+1 for AVG

Look at (and maybe update!) this thread (http://forums.beyond.ca/st/245566/your-complete-computer-application-tool-faq/) too...

[stealth]

Thanks for the info guys. Ninite is awesome.

Does anyone have a crack or keygen for WinRAR?

[alloroc]

Originally posted by stealth
I just got my new laptop, and want to keep it in tip top shape using good software.

I have ran years without Anti Virus, but this one came with McAffee, for some reason I hate McAffee and want to remove it. What is the best AV software that can be had for "free", or should I continue with my old practice of not running AV?

Web browser. I used to be a hardcore FireFox user, then tried Google Chrome, which is the best web browser out their right now?

Internet explorer.
but if you want to avoid Microsoft use Comodo Dragon. It uses the same engine as chrome, is more secure, and has less bloatware.
http://www.comodo.com/home/download/download.php?prod=browser

Comodo also happens to have the best free AV.
http://www.comodo.com/home/download/download.php?prod=cis

The other option is to go dual boot and run ubuntu (linux) - which is what I am doing on this machine. I only need to use windows once every two months or so.
Firefox is the best linux browser and at this point in time AV software is not needed.
www.ubuntu.com

[alloroc]

Bj_Tg8EeY-s

[Seth1968]

AVG is highly targeted, and AdAware has been obsolete for years.

I'd go with MSE for an antivirus, along with an occasional scan with MalwareBytes and/or SuperAntiSpyware.

[Neil4Speed]

MSE for my Security needs has been pretty good.

I used to be a Firefox devotee, but for the last year have been using Chrome exclusively - a few less addons, but a better browser overall - very snappy

[evoXfan]

Go with Media Player Classic Home Cinema edition... you don't really need codecs (other than Real and QuickTime).

Browser, go with Chrome. I feel it gives you a nice screen real estate for page viewing.

[Supa Dexta]

Ive been using tuneup utilities for years..

Dont forget MS office either.

[Awd-Tsi]

I use shaw secure on my computers at home, it works good.

[alloroc]

9:20 on video 3 sums it up.

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[ipeefreely]

Originally posted by dj_rice
For paid virus scans, all reviews point to Kaspersky.
For music, Winamp still reigns supreme I think, simple and easy to use.

You can pickup last years Kaspersky internet security for $20 at Staples or Futureshop just before new editon is released.

I picked up 2010 for $19.99 at Staples in August... its one of the only Anti Virus that works with XP x64.:whipped:

There's also plug-in for Winamp so you don't need iTunes. :thumbsup:

The last time i used iTunes was in 2005! :rofl: :poosie:

[taemo]

Microsoft Security Essential
Malwarebytes
Google Chrome
iTunes
K-lite Codec Pack
Adobe Reader
Flash
.NET
Auslogics
WinRAR
CDBurnerXP
Steam

[arian_ma]

Windows Media Player Classic? Please.


VLC Media player FTW

[Seth1968]

Originally posted by arian_ma
Windows Media Player Classic? Please.


VLC Media player FTW

+1

[sabad66]

Originally posted by arian_ma
Windows Media Player Classic? Please.


VLC Media player FTW
not windows media player... media player classic.. i like it because of how lightweight it is... what makes vlc better?