How to Set Up a Windows Xp Computer After a Fresh Install
- Important Programs -

 

Hello, from Rain, computer technician from Victoria, B.C. Canada. I have performed many reformats working for my computer company: www.electricbrains.com and I often found myself searching for the best software to install on the nice clean slate windows offers after a reformat. The following are programs I would definately install on all computers running Windows Xp and Windows Vista.

Warning: When prompted, Don't Install Toolbars! In many free installation packages it will prompt if you would like a Google or Yahoo or AVG or others toolbar. Never install these toolbars as they are totally unnecessary.

Install an Antivirus Software. I recommend AVG Free Antivirus

  1. Click on the following link to download AVG Free http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/
  2. Click save file and run the AVG installer program.
  3. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options

*Note: If you are used to using Avast AntiVirus I also highly recommend Avast. Here is the link: Download Avast. I suggest using AVG free because it is my personal preference. I do not recommend Norton or Kapersky Antivirus as they seriously slow down performance on personal computers and can be difficult to manage

Install Programs to Play Internet Media Files: Adobe Reader, Macromedia Flash Player and Java

  1. These programs are all needed to view many websites.
  2. Click on the following link to download Adobe Reader: http://ardownload.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/
  3. Click save file and run the Adobe Reader installer program.
  4. Click on the following link to download Macromedia Flash: http://fpdownload.adobe.com/get/flashplayer/current/install_flash_player.exe
  5. Click save file and run the Macromedia Flash installer program.
  6. Click on the following link to download Java: http://javadl.sun.com/webapps/download/
  7. Click save file and run the Java installer program.
  8. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.

Install Programs to Handle Music and Videos: VLC Media Player and Winamp

  1. These programs are needed to play media. VLC media player is a top of the line free video player, while winamp is the most amazing music player program on the planet.
  2. Click on the following link to download VLC Media Player: Download VLC Media Player
  3. Click save file and run the VLC Media Player (Video Lan) installer program.
  4. Click on the following link to download WinAmp: http://www.winamp.com/media-player
  5. Don't accept any of WinAmp's special offers

Install Img-Burn For Burning CDs and DVDs

  1. Imgburn is a great free program used for burning CDs and DVDs. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you figure it out, you see why it is such great software. Click on the link to download: http://download.imgburn.com/SetupImgBurn_2.5.0.0.exe
  2. Click save file and run the imgburn installer program.

Install Open Office for Word Processing

  1. Imgburn is a great free program used for burning CDs and DVDs. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you figure it out, you see why it is such great software. Click on the link to download: http://openoffice.bouncer.osuosl.org
  2. Click save file and run the OpenOffice installer program.

Install 7-Zip For Compressing and Extracting Zipped Files

  1. 7-Zip is a great program for extracting and compressing files. It handles primarily your files that end with extensions such as .rar and .zip. Here is the link to download 7-Zip: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/sevenzip/7z465.exe
  2. Click on the link to download here "link"
  3. Click save file and run the 7-Zip installer program.

*Note: If you would like winrar instead here is the link: http://www.rarlab.com/rar/wrar391b2.exe
Winrar is a great program, but this is only a trial download.

Install Ccleaner For Start-Up Configuration

  1. Ccleaner is a terrific tool for cleaning up your temporary files and registry. As it does make changes to the registry I suggest to use the program sparingly. Here I'm just going to use the program to configure what boots up with the computer.
  2. Click on the link to download: http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/download
  3. Click save file and run the Ccleaner installer program.

You have installed all the basic system tools and configurations,

Continue to: Optional Programs For Your Windows Install

Email us: info@electricbrains.com

Phone: 250 590-3982

EB Computers - Location: 5-1827 Fairfield rd. Victoria, B.C. Canada, V8S1G9
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