First time Windows 7 installation

[MyWorld]

This is the first PC I ever installed Windows 7 on (don't get me started), and I was wondering what essential programs Windows need on a fresh install.

My frustration is endless since there is no central repository for software, I would have thought MS would have figured that out by now... anyway.

So far I have installed:
vlc
Thunderbird
MS Live Essentials (part of system update)
7 zip
AVG Free
LibreOffice
Google Chrome
System Updates

Added:
MSE
Adobe Reader
Image Resizer

What else is useful/necessary for a Windows based office PC?

 

[saifudin]

adobe reader.

 

[czc]

Terracopy, I had problems moving data around without it.

Also I skipped AVG and went with MSE, also skipped MS LIVE ESSENTIALS

 

[MyWorld]

Thanks. Added.

 

[Grouter]

Lose AVG, Get MSE.

Also this is indispensible for me.

And you can get back your good ol' "UP" button in explorer with this.

 

[MyWorld]

MSE added, checking out the rest now.

 

[ponder]

My frustration is endless...

Yeah it's a biatch.

Whenever I'm looking for something free this http://www.techsupportalert.com/ is my goto site for recommendations.

 

[NomNom]

Also install Microsoft .Net 4.0 and Java Runtime Environment 1.7.0.5 32bit and 64bit if you are running 64bit Windows 7.

Adobe flash player for both IE and NON IE, newest is 11.3.300.268

Also I usually install the latest Directx 9.0c (June 2010)

Also installing either Malwarebytes and/or SuperAntiSpyware doesn't hurt.

 

[unskinnybob]

This is the first PC I ever installed Windows 7 on (don't get me started), and I was wondering what essential programs Windows need on a fresh install.

My frustration is endless since there is no central repository for software, I would have thought MS would have figured that out by now... anyway.

So far I have installed:
vlc
Thunderbird
MS Live Essentials (part of system update)
7 zip
AVG Free
LibreOffice
Google Chrome
System Updates

Added:
MSE
Adobe Reader
Image Resizer

What else is useful/necessary for a Windows based office PC?

Thunderbird?!

 

[dualmeister]

IrfanView

 

[MyWorld]

Thunderbird?!

What else would you then recommend?

 

[encrypted]

adobe reader.

SHAME ON YOU!!! SHAME!!!

Sumatrapdf

 

[unskinnybob]

What else would you then recommend?

I'll assume you use thunderbird for personal internet email not work. I just use web client.

 

[Flidiot]

SHAME ON YOU!!! SHAME!!!

Sumatrapdf

Or even Nuance PDF Reader. I use Adobe, but Nuance is an option.

Depending on what exactly you are planning on letting the user do, you may want to install some codecs as well.

Klite is one option - shark007 is my poison at the moment.

 

[Bona Botse]

VirtuaWin
7 Taskbar Tweaker
7zip

 

[LazyLion]

Just got to http://ninite.com/ and choose the apps you want and then download the installer!

These also do the same thing or similar...
http://allmyapps.com/
http://www.freenew.net/
http://www.smartinstallerpack.com/

 

[skusku]

I would add VLC to the list along with klite codecs.
Nero
Flash player
Winamp

But thats just me

 

[NomNom]

I would add VLC to the list along with klite codecs.
Nero
Flash player
Winamp

But thats just me

VLC is on the list already, you don't need codecs or Winamp on a Office Pc since there is Windows Media Player

 

[Tim the Techxpert]

If it is for office or even personal use I would want to have a simple messaging and even VOIP tool. I use SKYPE at home and in the office. Simple to use and gets communication round faster than email does. If you are going to be making calls to other offices then it can save you a lot of money on telecommunication costs. For overseas communications I use it a lot to suppliers in Europe.

 

[goofball]

Just got to http://ninite.com/ and choose the apps you want and then download the installer!

These also do the same thing or similar...
http://allmyapps.com/
http://www.freenew.net/
http://www.smartinstallerpack.com/

Thank you so much for that dude!!!

I used one of those once before but forgot what it was called. Such a awesome idea!