Free but Essential Downloads for your new PC
Jan 9th, 2008 by Stephen Palmer
If you just brought a new PC, it’s essential that you install all important programs before you get it to work. There are two practical reasons why you should do this. First, you’ll know how good is your computer in relation to processing speed in installation; second, you’re protected and assured of a compatible software right from the start.
Here are some of the software recommended for a brand new PC. All of them are free and could be downloaded in no time with DSL connection.
- AVG Free Anti-Virus – we start off with protection. A brand new PC is like a shell that’s open to absolutely anything. Even before you install some office applications, this program will practically protect you from those that come in to your computer. This anti-virus automatically updates itself everyday so that it could have the latest lists of viruses. The best use of this anti-virus is scanning all the documents that you attach to your computer. All you need to do is to right click on the drive folder and file and it will scan it by comparing it to the latest lists of viruses. You can also configure this software to scan your computer everyday for viruses.
- Windows Defender 1.1 – Obviously works only on Windows, Windows Defender 1.1 could be the best free anti-spy ware out there. You’ll be able to set the time where it could scan your computer for possible spyware. Windows Defender is usually updated to make sure you have the latest lists and updates regarding the latest spyware. When it first came out, it looked like only a rocket scientist could figure it out. However, this revamped interface looks great even that it could be understood even for beginners. Get your OS verified as soon as you install it and you’ll get this security feature for free. The version indicated works only up to XP but a newer version for Vista should be available very shortly.
- Ad-Aware – a free version of Ad-Aware is more than enough for your Adware and spyware security. Windows Defender is great but it doesn’t stop the adware for popping out of your system. The latest version were reviewed to be a little bit slower compared to its predecessors but it still works when it comes to knowing what are the adwares that are lurking in your computer system. Just don’t let this run with so many applications to ensure its speed.
- WinRAR – although your computer may already have a .zip extractor, the truth is, most internet users rarely use .zip for compressing bigger files. WinRAR will practically work with .zip .rar and more compressed files. The software could also be integrated with the right click function so that you won’t have to access the actual program in the start menu.
- PDF Reader – Although it makes little sense to create a PDF file if you’re just a regular browser, you’ll eventually have to download this program to read PDF files. Most help documents requires PDF to be read and some of the e-books come in this format so its best to install them before the need comes in.



