I’m frequently asked about new computers from our friends and family, and I’ve blogged about buying a new computer in the past, but this post is about the common things that you should download and install once you have that new computer, right after you do all of the Windows Updates and un-install all of the “trial” software that came with your computer. As with anything, you can take this advice or leave it, I’m really curious to know what sort of things you think I need to add to this this. Feel free to add anything that I’ve missed in the comments!
Microsoft Security Essentials. I won’t go through the discussion about whether or not Mac get viruses, they do; I will however say that you should have anti-virus software installed on your computer. This one is free, built by Microsoft, and works really well. This is the first thing I install on a new computer. (note: You’ll probably need to uninstall whatever “free 90 day trial” antivirus that your new computer came with probably Norton or McAfee)
Live Mesh. [Update: Live Mesh is no longer in beta, it is now included with Windows Live Essentials! ] Mesh is awesome. Install it on every computer that you use. Mesh does three things for you.
- It Synchronizes files between computers. just pick the folders that you want to have participate in the synchronization, right click and select “add to mesh”
- Mesh Synchronizes files to cloud. That is, on of the “computers” that you can synchronize your files to is the mesh.com website. Just log in, select connect to Live Desktop and there you go, your files – available from any computer with an Internet connection.
- Mesh let’s you “remote desktop” to any computer that is running mesh. What’s that, forgot to add that file to your mesh folder and now you’re away and need to access it? No problem, remote in to your home computer, add the file to the folder, it’s now available on your laptop. Awesome.
Another “essential” on the list of installs is ironically, Windows Live Essentials. With Live essentials you get:
- Live Messenger – you can chat with family, even do video chat and remote assistance with friends and family
- Movie Maker – fyi..this is what I’ve used for every CommunityCast TV video – it had *some* short comings, but for the most part – will do whatever you need, easily, for making videos
- Mail – I’ve honestly never used this for email. I’ve always just used gMail or Outlook. But if I didn’t have Outlook installed – I’d definitely give this a go!
- Photo Gallery – this actually does a real nice job organizing your photos, and helps when you need to scan images for expense reports!
OK, that’s it for the critical stuff, obviously as a developer, I also install a host of tools that I use on a daily basis, and that will probably make a nice future post (in the mean time, go check out Scott’s ultimate developer tools list)… but here are some of the optional installs for everyone!
Virtual CloneDrive Why this functionality isn’t just baked in to Windows – I will never know. This is just perfect. You have an ISO that you want to use? No problem, just double click it and it will be as if you just stuck the CD/DVD in to your drive. Awesome.
Image Editing – GIMP (requires Java), Paint.NET (Requires .NET)
IE Spell – Spell Check is built in to every browser *except* Internet Explorer
OK, I think that’s the important stuff. Feel free to add your top items in the comments!
I would go with the Live Essentials Beta which includes Live Sync instead of Mesh… also I am always sure to install TeraCopy, IrfanView32, Notepad++, and 7-Zip
Paul – Does Live Sync give you the online storage and remote desktop? I haven't used it yet. What does 7-Zip give you that Windows Compressed Folders doesn't? I'll have to check out TeraCopy and InfraView thanks!
Foxit Reader(http://www.foxitsoftware.com/) instead of Adobe Reader. Smaller and does the same or better job.
I've been looking for something like Virtual CloneDrive for years. Thanks for the recommendation (and financial savings on blnak DVDs).
I'm adding the Media Essential Codec Pack to the list..
http://download.cnet.com/Windows-Essentials-Med…
I'm tired of having to install various players to play different media types.. this one install let's you play almost anything by just giving the ability to the Media player that's already built in. Enjoy! 🙂
Awesome Geof! Yeah, it's been a real life saver for me. It's especially nice for anyone that uses MSDN to download their development software in ISO's. I will add that in Windows 7 you can “out of the box” burn ISO's to CD/DVD's which is nice, just not nearly as nice as just being able to double click and launching them!
Harold – great catch! I almost put that in my original list, I use PDF's as little is possible. I much more prefer the XPS approach (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/print/xps/…) but that might just be me. 🙂 Thanks!
You can use the online storage from SkyDrive through Live Sync Beta, and yes it does remote desktop. 7-Zip has some explorer shortcuts like “Extract to here” and can handle the other compressed file types.
Our MSDN subscription is exactly how we're using CloneDrive too.
I was just reminded of http://ninite.com/ – a great tool for creating a single install with *a lot* of the apps mentioned on this post!
Fences! http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/
It’s worth it just for the “double click on desktop to hide icons” feature. Awesome
In lieu of Tory Burch resorts in Tory Burch Shoes, secure you
Tory Burch Sale a out of dirty Tory Burch Flats side-walks plus
Tory Burch Flats rock tracks
Tory Burch Reva Flats by way of dressed in To get aid plus
Tory Burch Sandals high-quality elements
Tory Burch Thora Sandals, take into Tory Burch
GHD Straighteners homes.
Tory Burch Sophie Wedges exclusively delivers
GHD Hair Straighteners Ballet homes
GHD NZ and are generally
GHD Eras Glamour industry experts
GHD Radiance Gift Set around having a ballet
GHD IV Salon Styler athletic shoe
GHD IV Styler that is definitely
GHD Pink Flat Iron lovable plus relaxed
GHD Black Styler. Lots of kinds
Christian Louboutin Shoes currently have varied ties to make sure
Christian Louboutin Ireland that you’ perrfect
Cheap Christian Louboutin Shoes accommodate. A Homes give relaxation as
Louboutin Shoes you move pleasurable
Cheap Christian Louboutin Boots colorations continue
Christian Louboutin Pumps Sale to keep you actually sense little plus
Christian Louboutin Eveningsophisticated. Come early
Louboutin Wedding For Sale july generate you a
Christian Louboutin Boots proud of fulfillment together with the innovative spring/summer 2011 athletic shoe group.
How did I miss Fences!! Use this.. even if it’s just to easily hide the icons on your desktop.
http://www.stardock.com/products/fences/