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

 

Hi there 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 free programs I recommend as optional for your fresh windows Xp Install. If you think any of these programs are of interest to you, go ahead and download them they are all free.

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.

Google Makes Some Terrific Free Software: Google Chrome, Google Earth and Sketch-Up Pro 7

  1. Google Chrome is the new web browser. It is reportedly faster than Firefox and more efficient to use. If you would like to try it: Click on the following link to download Google Chrome http://www.google.com/chrome/
  2. Click save file and run the Google Chrome Installation Program.
  3. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.
  1. Google Earth is an amazing program where you can view satellite imagery across the globe. You have to have a fairly fast computer and good internet connection to view Google Earth properly. Here are the recommended minimum system requirements:
    • Operating System: Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista
    • CPU: Pentium 3, 500Mhz
    • System Memory (RAM): 256MB
    • Hard Disk: 400MB free space
    • Network Speed: 128 Kbits/sec
    • Graphics Card: 3D-capable with 16MB of VRAM
    • Screen: 1024x768, "16-bit High Color" - DirectX 9 (to run in Direct X mode)
  2. Click on the following link to download Google Earth http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html
  3. Here you want to uncheck the boxes regarding installing google chrome and allowing anonymous usage statistics.
  4. Click save file and run the Google Earth Installation Program.
  5. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.
  6. Be sure to fly the flight simulator through New York, it is truly fantastic! (I'll have to create a How-to for the flight simulator!)
  1. Google SketchUp Pro 7 is a suite of powerful features and applications for design and engineering professionals. Here is the link to download Google SketchUp Pro 7: http://sketchup.google.com/download/gsup.html
  2. Click save file and run the Google SketchUp Pro 7 Program.
  3. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.

Install Itunes and Quicktime

  1. Itunes is a favourite music player. It functions seamlessly with Ipods and Iphones.
  2. Click on the following link to download Itunes: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
  3. I would uncheck the two boxes on the left offering the newsletter and "Apple News"
  4. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.
  1. Quicktime is Apples video player. Here is the link http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
  2. I would uncheck the two boxes on the left offering the newsletter and "Apple News"
  3. You don't have to enter an email address at the bottom of the page to download Quicktime.
  4. Once the install is under way agree to the license.
  5. When Installing, I suggest only associating Quicktime with Quicktime files. It is better to allow VLC Media Player to be associated with the bulk of your video files.

Install Software to Chat with Friends and Make Phone Calls From Computer: Skype or Windows Live

  1. Skype is a program that Allows you to chat with friends and make phone calls from your computer. It will also allow you to use your webcam when chatting between Mac and PC which is a definate plus! Here is the link to download Skype: http://www.skype.com/go/downloading
  2. Click save file and run the Skype Install Program.
  3. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.
  1. Windows Live Messenger is a program that Allows you to chat with friends and communicate with your webcam. Here is the link to download Windows Live: Windows Live Messenger Download
  2. Click save file and run the Windows Live Install Program.
  3. Make sure to only install Windows Live. You do not want or need to install any of the other Microsoft products they will offer you!

Install Utorrent to Download Torrent Files

  1. If you need to download a torrent file, you can use Utorrent
  2. A link to the program is here: http://www.utorrent.com/downloads/complete?os=win
  3. Click save file and run the Utorrent Install Program.
  4. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.

Install Direct x 9.0 and Space Invaders to Have Some Fun

  1. You should download DirectX 9.0 as it is used for many games and programs
  2. A link to the program is here: http://www.filehippo.com/download_directx/download/26cd1c11ab1a87911da4d44d8c36bbba/
  3. A link to download Scot's Space Invaders is here: http://www.sb-software.com/spaceinvaders/sbvade19.exe
  4. Click save file and run the Space Invader's Install Program.
  5. Once the install is under way agree to the license and accept the suggested default options.

I Hope some of these programs are useful to you!

Here's a Quick Question for you, just to see if you were paying attention!

1. Which is Rain's Favorite Operating System?

Do you know any other programs to add to This E-Learning Resource?

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