Kick-Starting Your Computer

[Gruthar]

What kind of programs do you want?

More in the case of programs that I will find useful (utilities and such, like Anivirus programs, Browsers and the like), awesome or fun.

Okay, so what I'm getting thus far is this:

Antivirus:
AVG Free
Avast!

Do NOT install more than one anti-virus on your machine, unless you enjoy slide-shows and having your brand new computer run slowly.

 

[darthsmily]

In my experience, Avast is much better. It will scan sites before you've loaded them and it also scans your e-mails too and AVG has some compatability problems with some games. Instead of Daemon Tools, you should get MagicDisc. I found it easier to use, it allows you to create as many virtual drives as you need.
Definetly get Spybot - Search and Destroy.
You should get a third party disk defragger like Auslogics Disk Defrag. It is much better than the standard Windows one.
Hope I helped.

 

[RRilef]

Get the RC for Windows 7, You'll have a much better time with that than Vista, or XP for that matter. Then again, it is a whole other opperating system, so it could be annoying to install it, then install everything again, then once again when the actual product comes out, but you should reformat every so often anyway.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Well, first thing to kick start a computer is to show it some love, ie kick the shit out of it.

Then I would make sure all the drivers are installed.

Then I would install Avast! anti-virus software, it's free and does a lot of good shit.

Then I would install the Microsoft Works CD, because you'll never know when you'll need it.

Then install your music, so that you can listen to them while you're installing games.

Then install Winamp because it's better the Microsoft Media player.

My sentiments exactly.

Don't forget to ask your manufacturer for a copy of the Vista Install DVD and Repair DVD if you got Vista as your OS.

 

[Deleric]

When I get a new computer, I usually install Mozilla Firefox, go to all my favorite websites and start signing into accounts and remembering passwords. Over the next few days I'll begin adding icons and downloading other personal stuff like ITunes and UTorrent. Then I'll add my games.

 

[Paragon Fury]

Not kicking your computer is a good start.

Getting a good anti-viral/anti-spyware program like Trend Micro is another good step, and should be done before you start downloading anything. Then update all drivers and hardware, then finally install goodies like music and games.