Just a little a info its all good all tested many times : )
Essentials
first get new drivers for graphics card sound etc
Welcome to NVIDIA - World Leader in Visual Computing Technologies
ATI Radeon***8482; Drivers and Support
Realtek
Codecs (without them certain files wont play audio)
DivX Video Player - DivX Video Codec - DivX Converter | DivX.com
AC3Filter | AC3Filter
Plugins
Flash
Adobe Flash Player
Shockwave
Adobe - Adobe Shockwave Player
Java
java.com: Java + You
if you get drivers from
windows update
Microsoft Windows Update
Backing up your Operating System Serials and any Independant Software that use Serial Keys is important.
if you ever need to reinstall or if there volume keys you might need them on hand.All the software does is
locates the keys in the registry where the serials are and the other information like name of registred and
company information for you to copy and backup if need be.
Key Finder Softwares (freeware)
XP Vista and 7 and Microsoft Office (Click On The Download Now)
WinGuggle - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
Windows 7 All Editions
Windows 7 Product Key Finder - Find Windows 7 Product Key
Independant Softwares Key Finder (trial but there is a free version)
Keyfinder | Magical Jelly Bean
System Restore (how many times have you been saved by it?)
it can be disabled and save a lot space and speed if you dont backup or dont know how to use a windows
xp disc leave it on please.
if you want to turn it off then
Start-Accessories-Systemtools-System Restore then click on the box turn off all drives.
A better way to protect the pc (Recovery Console) installing on boot up so not on disk and at hands reach
for quick repair.
Follow the instructions
Click Start, click Run, and then type
D:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons
Where D: is the CD-ROM drive letter, and then press Enter.
(There is a space between .exe and the slash.)
installation will take a minute
then click yes (if you want it installed)
it should be installed now *How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP* the commands
for the console if you need them : )
Giving the Computer a bit of Speed
now
My Computer - Properties-Advanced
Untick the following boxes
Animate windows when maximizing
Fade or slide menus into view
Fade or slide ToolTips into view
Fade out menu items after clicking
Slide open combo boxes
Slide taskbar Buttons
Smooth-scroll list boxes
then
right click on desktop
Appearance-Effects
untick the top box
now go to run type regedit
HKEY_CURRENTUSER
--
Control panel
--
Desktop
(in that folder press M until you see menushowdelay
you can change this option to 0 but if you have fairly old computer change to 10)
now come out of regedit
Misc (things you might want)
type gpedit.msc in run
Removing user name from start menu *looks better without i think*
User Configuration-Administrative Templates-Start up menu and Taskbar
Scroll down near the bottom where it says Remove user name from start menu Double click on it and enable
just disable to put username back on.
Privacy (if you want it)
Do not keep history in my recently opened Documents
a little information on this before doing it if you do not wish to do this one skip onto the next one.
If you enable this policy, the system and Certified for Microsoft Windows programs do not create shortcuts to
documents opened while the policy is in effect. Also, they retain, but do not display, existing document shortcuts.
The system empties the Documents menu on the Start menu, and programs Certified for Microsoft Windows do not
display shortcuts at the bottom of the File menu.
User Configuration-Administrative Templates-Start up menu and Taskbar
then press D untill you see:
Do not keep history in my recently opened Documents
Double click and enable
Disabing user tracking
User Configuration\AdministrativeTemplates\Start Menu & Taskbar
then press T untill you see:
Turn off user tracking
Double Click and enable
removing balloon tips
User Configuration-Administrative Templates-Start up menu and Taskbar
scroll down down to the near bottom and you'll see
Remove balloon tips on start menu items
double click and enable
Tweaks (things you might find useful)
(Windows XP and Vista Only)
Making an invisible Folder that will not show on on the hidden
files when you change the settings to show ^^
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcG3NH8NGLM"]YouTube - Creating Invisible Folders-Windows XP/Vista[/ame]
(Windows XP Only)
Ever wanted more backgrounds without annoying software on the os
well you can this allows you use them for backgrounds on folders and usb's
Open Notepad
copy and paste
[ExtShellFolderViews]
{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}={ BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}
[{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}]
Attributes=1
IconArea_Image=your picture.jpg
IconArea_Text=0xFF3300
save as desktop.ini
then put in a folder with the image you
want to use.the best type for this is jpg and
just change your picture.jpg to your
images name.also if the text colour of the
files dont match you can change that as
well change 0xFF3300 to many of the
following.
0x000000 = black
0xFFFFFF = white
0xFF3300 = blue
0xFFFF00 = light blue
0x33CC00 = green
0xCC0099 = Violet
0x9900FF = pink
Software
If it says trial or free version you might want to get the full version to experience the full potential of the software.
The Types Of Reliable Software
certain softwares can take a lot of cpu like antivirus's and firewalls when they start up
some all the time like norton and mcafee
Great Softwares to look out for
Antivirus
AVG (Free Edition)
AVG Free - Download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition for Windows XP and Vista
Kaspersky
Download documentation, updates, and betas for Kaspersky Lab products
Symantec Corperate Antivirus (very low cpu usage) deals with most virus threats it
can be set to delete a virus as a first option and quaratine as a 2nd option.if you can
get Endpoint Protection 32bit or 64bit then use that for your computer which is the
upgrade to corperate.
info
Antivirus software, threat prevention | Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition
The newer version to Symatec Corperate Antivirus is Symantec Endpoint which
includes IDS Intruder Detection System Antivirus and spyware protection if you
can get it however it does take a bit of the processor but not much. it has proven
to beat the old version so far
info on endpoint
Antivirus, Antispyware, Intrusion Prevention Software | Symantec Endpoint Protection
Nod32
Offical Site
http://www.eset.co.uk/
Free Trial
http://www.eset.co.uk/Trial/Home
Agnitum Outpost Security Suite
(its a trial download but there also a free version inside the setup if anyone requires it)
Security Suite 7
Outpost Security Suite is a robust, comprehensive Internet security solution that protects
against a broad range of threats; from viruses and spyware to rootkits and botnets.
32 bit -http://www.agnitum.com/dl/OutpostSec...ProInstall-exe
64 bit -http://www.agnitum.com/dl/OutpostSec...oInstall64-exe
32 and 64-bit
(Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP SP2+, Windows Server 2003 SP1+, 2008),
Windows 2000 SP4 with security rollup.
Anti-Spyware,Adaware and Malware
Virus Removal tools with Instructions
Security Response Removal Tools - Symantec Corp.
lavasoft adaware (free version) The Three Best Antispyware On The Market
Ad-Aware Free - Lavasoft
Spybot SD (when installing no need to put teatimer on or check system settings)
The home of Spybot-S&D!
SpySweeper (free version)
Computer and Internet Security Software Downloads and Trials
Malwarebytes is designed to fight and combat malware and has up to date startup protection.
Malwarebytes.org
SpywareBlaster (adds addresses to the host file to keep you safe and adds protections to browsers such as Firefox and IE)
SpywareBlaster? | Prevent spyware and malware. Free download.
ComboFix (freeware)
Combofix that scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean
these infections automatically. In addition to being able to remove a large amount of the most
common and current malware, ComboFix also displays a report that can be used by trained
helpers to remove malware that is not automatically removed by the program.
Bleeping Computer Downloads: ComboFix Download (windows 2000 XP Vista 7 32 bit only)
Trend Micro Hijack This (freeware)
Trend Micro HijackThis scans user's computer, displays browser hijacking locations,
HijackThis does NOT remove or detect and spyware,adware,It generate a plain text
log file detailing all entries it finds.
http://www.combofix.org/downloadhjt.php (windows 2000,ME,2003,2008 Server,XP and Vista)
http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/produc...HijackThis.exe (For Windows 7 users will need to run as admin)
FileASSASSIN
FileASSASSIN is an application that can delete any type of locked files that are on your computer.
Whether the files are from a malware infection or just a particular file that will not delete - FileASSASSIN
can remove it. The program uses advanced programming techniques to unload modules, close remote handles,
and terminate processes to remove the particular locked file. Please use with caution as deleting critical
system files may cause system errors.
Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista
http://www.malwarebytes.org/fa-setup.exe
Portable Version if you looking for one.
http://www.malwarebytes.org/FA_Portable.zip
Compression
Winrar
This software is used to extract and making rar and zip files and can also extract zip aswell
WinRAR archiver, a powerful tool to process RAR and ZIP files
7Zip or IZArc which is better for compressing your software
youll find there both very simliar only little difference's in areas of the each software.
one might be better at certain parts in IZArc and 7zip might better to able in certain things
on 7zip just working whats the best for your computer.
7-Zip
This Program uses a higher form of compression and takes longer due to high compression ratio and can
pack the added items into a self extracting exe file.
7-Zip
IZArc
IZArc is the newer software and is very simlar to 7zip it can compress software at a high
ratio but with more filetypes that includes CD Images .which means you can open them
and convert filetypes as well.it can use 256 AES Encyption same as 7zip and create self
extracting files if your taking your files onto a computer does not have IZArc like on for
files and has a easy to use unique interface
IZArc
Ver 4.1.2 (Main Software)
IZArc Free Download
Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
IZArc Command Line ADDON
Ver 1.1
IZArc Command Line Add-On Free Download
Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
IZArc2Go (Portable Edition)
Ver 4.1.2
IZArc2Go Free Download
Copying
PowerISO it easy its simple to add files,burn and allows virtual drives
PowerISO - Create, Edit, Compress, Encrypt, Split, Mount, Extract ISO file, ISO/BIN converter, Virtual Drive
ConvertXtoDvD the best converting and burning software around.
AVI to DVD Video Converter Software VSO ConvertXtoDVD Download now
MagicISO like poweriso simple and able to burn and have virtual drives at not much costs
MagicISO - Convert BIN to ISO, Create, Edit, Burn, Extract ISO file, ISO/BIN converter/extractor/editor
Nero this is a multitasking burner able to do different things the ealier versions was good but new ones
came at the price of the processor usage.
Nero - Download a trial version or update your current Nero software version
(there is also a free version on here nero burn light 10) if anyone is looking for one.
Media Centers and Plugins their are plenty of options
Most of these are Vista and Windows 7 only Unfornaterly Sorry
(if you want to access some of the libraries like boxee and hulu these will require
a US based Proxy if you are outside the US)
Boxee *requires signing up*
Boxee - Watch Movies, TV Shows and clips from the Internet on your TV.
Boxee Media Center Plugin
http://boxeewmc.teknowebworks.com/Bo...ationSetup.msi
Hulu Desktop
Hulu - Labs: Hulu Desktop
Hulu Media Center Plugin
http://huluwmc.teknowebworks.com/Hul...ationSetup.msi
XMBC
Downloads | XBMC
XMBC Media Center Plugin
http://xbmcwmc.teknowebworks.com/XBM...ationSetup.msi
Media Portal
App download - MEDIAPORTAL - Download MediaPortal for free!
Extensions- MEDIAPORTAL - Root
(everything for the media portal app is here plugins skins you name it ^^ )
TV Catchup *this will require signing up with them and also have a tuner card to watch channels its free*
TVCatchup - Never Miss A Show Again
TV Catchup Media Center Plugins
32 bit - http://plugins.tvcatchup.com/~mce/downloads/TVCatchup-MCE_32.zip
64 bit - http://plugins.tvcatchup.com/~mce/downloads/TVCatchup-MCE_64.zip
bbc iplayer
BBC iPlayer - Install BBC iPlayer Desktop
bbc iplayer media center plugin
http://rapidshare.com/files/43424975...p_alpha1.1.msi
Media Center Studio
If your a fan of Windows Media Center and like to change things well this is the app for you.
Media Center Studio
Heres an Example of an changed Media Center.
http://www.adventmediacenter.com/img...oleumTheme.jpg
Tuner Free MCE
TunerFreeMCE is a Windows Media Center add-in for watching streaming internet
TV programs on your PC and Media Center Extender For UK users it has support for
live TV and catch up programs from the UK's main TV providers (BBC, ITV, Channel 4
and Five), as well as all of the BBC Radio stations. It also has support for the recently
launched MSN Video Player in the UK. For US users, it has support for the full Hulu
catalogue of TV programs, all through an easy to use Media Center interface.
Windows 7
http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/download...eMCE_4_3_4.msi
Windows Vista
http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/download...eMCE_3_8_2.msi
Examples
http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/images/tunerfree_1.jpg http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/images/tunerfree_2.jpg
http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/images/tunerfree_3.jpg http://www.milliesoft.co.uk/images/tunerfree_4.jpg
My Movies Media Center Plugin
My Movies - Windows Media Center ( this is a movie indexing software plugin for media center which my
movies helps you gather your movies into one place on media center and is easier to play them.
examples
http://www.mymovies.dk/media/7280/11.png http://www.mymovies.dk/media/7270/09.png
http://www.mymovies.dk/media/7320/19.png http://www.mymovies.dk/media/7330/21.png
http://www.mymovies.dk/media/7345/25.png http://www.mymovies.dk/media/7335/22.png
Media Players Any media player is good when setup right
RealPlayer 11: Download videos from the web and watch them anytime, anywhere - www.real.com Real Media Player
Windows Media Player 11 WMP 11
Apple - Download music and more with iTunes. Play it all on iPod. Quicktime + Itunes
VLC media player - Overview VLC
Also if you like VLC you can change the skin VLC media player - Skins
Free Trial Multimedia Software Downloads (PowerDVD delivers award-winning
playback quality for movies on the PC) its realiable but the link only trial you will need to buy
Winamp Media Player - MP3, Multimedia, and Music Player
Tweaking
TuneUp America - Download
Trial only
Tuneup utilties is the best one it has the most reliable interfaces and does not cause crashes.
it can defragment the system,compact the registry and also change the appearance of your
operating system to your desire.
you can apply any visual style from good sites like deviantART: where ART meets application!
which can allow you to change the xp logon,boot screen and your visual style with ease.
Windowblinds is a software designed just for you to setup your perfect visuals,boot or logon needs.
Stardock.com - Your Edge In Software (Trial version)
Software for downloading and converting files from youtube
YouTube Downloader - Software to download and convert YouTube video
for all the youtubers this is the software and its free.
HD Version (please make sure you computer supports high def video's)
Site link
Download Youtube Downloader HD
Direct link
http://www.youtubedownloaderhd.com/f...r_hd_setup.exe
for windows 98/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/7
Messengers
Pidgin is a multi messenger chat to multple ppl on different accounts google,yahoo,msn and many more ^^
Pidgin, the universal chat client
Live messenger
We all know this in some form or another here is the link
Essentials - Windows Live
not a fan of the ads or the nudge effect on live messenger xD this little app will sort that for you
http://apatch.org/files/index.php?ACT=dl&id=23
Network/Vpn
Hamachi allows pcs to make an online network and can be connected by remoted if need be
https://secure.logmein.com/products/hamachi/list.asp (good for lan games on pcs)
Team Viewer allows you to connect to computers remotely like remote desktop saves you having to go downstairs
or whereever the comp is or if you fix or provide support to another computer this will help you provide that
TeamViewer - Free Remote Access and Remote Desktop Sharing over the Internet (freeware)
PDF Software (the softwares that allow you to read the pdf extensions)
Adobe Reader
simple setup and updates your software automatically
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Foxit
For those you dont like how adobe updates and are looking for alteratives this is the one.
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/downloads/
Voip
Skype Free PC - PC Calls anywhere or time landlines cost tho
Skype - Make free calls and great value calls on the internet
Ventrillo is good if your game has no ingame voice you can do that on ventrillo and create servers to host for clans etc ^^
Ventrilo - Surround Sound Voice Communication Software
Browsers (we all have our favourite which is yours!)
Safari www.apple.com/safari/
IE Internet Explorer 8 Windows 7 Security Features Malware Privacy
Opera Opera Browser | Faster & safer Internet | Free Download
Google Chrome Google Chrome - Download a new browser
Firefox Firefox web browser | Faster, more secure, & customizable | Mozilla Europe
Browser addons
IE8 Addons: http://ieaddons.com addons for Internet Explorer users
Firefox Themes:https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/browse/type:2:Make Your Browser shiny
Firefox Personas:Personas for Firefox | Dress up your web browserThe New Firefox Theme's check it out!
Firefox Addons:https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ little gadgets for firefox.
Example of Firefox Addons:
Adblock Plus
this is a custom block filter for advertisers banners etc or even websites fear no more
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865/
Foxy Tunes
this is a addon where it lets you directly interact with your media player such as media player realplayer etc
or even go on youtube with one click.
FoxyTunes - Control any media player while surfing the Web and more...
SpeedDial
this is an addon that allows you to setup a multiple set of webpages on homepage where you just click and your on.
it requires you to input the urls of the websites but after that it will do the rest.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4810/
looking for an alternative to speed dial ?
Fast dial is simlar but like safari black home page.
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5721/
here is a great guide created by
Devilfish
http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums...browser-29555/
Uninstallers (removing software that wont go away these will sort that)
Revo
simple and effective uninstaller program if you need to remove
a program without add/remove and its free.
Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs, Solve uninstall problems
Advanced Uninstaller Pro
this program is designed for windows operating systems like xp and vista
for problematic software that wont just go away.
info on software
Advanced Uninstaller PRO - uninstall or remove programs easily using the most powerful
uninstaller in the world, for Windows Vista and XP. Free trial available.
Nero clean tools *removes Nero completely from system*
Nero 6
Nero - Support - Nero 6 - Tools & Utilities
Nero 7
Nero - Support - Nero 7 - Tools & Utilities
Nero 8
Nero - Tools & Utilities
Nero 9
Nero - Tools & Utilities
Norton Removal Tools
2003
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool to remove your Norton 2003 product
2004/05
Save your Norton 2005 or 2004 Product Key, then download and run the Norton Removal Tool
2006
Save your Norton 2006 Product Key, then download and run the Norton Removal Tool
2007
Save your Norton 2007 Product Key, then download and run the Norton Removal Tool
2008
Save your Norton 2008 Product Key, then download and run the Norton Removal Tool
2009
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool to remove your Norton 2006 product or later version
Norton SystemWorks 12.0
Download and run the Norton Removal Tool
Norton Ghost or Norton Save & Restore
Save your Norton Ghost or Norton Save & Restore Product Key, then download and run the Norton Removal Tool
Norton 360
Save your Norton 360 Product Key, then download and run the Norton Removal Tool
Kaspersky Labs Products Removal Tool (all versions)
http://support.kaspersky.com/downloa...kavremover.exe
Mcafee Removal Tool
http://download.mcafee.com/products/...tches/MCPR.exe
Trend Micro Removal Tools
Windows XP 32 bit - http://solutionfile.trendmicro.com/s...7161/32bit.exe
Windows Vista/7 32bit -http://solutionfile.trendmicro.com/s...7161/32bit.exe
Windows Vista/7 64bit -http://solutionfile.trendmicro.com/s...7161/64bit.exe
AVG Removal Tools
2011 32 bit - http://download.avg.com/filedir/util..._2011_1165.exe
2011 64 bit - http://download.avg.com/filedir/util..._2011_1165.exe
identity protection remover
http://download.avg.com/filedir/util...ninstaller.exe
Windows One Care Removal Tool
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...areCleanUp.exe
BitDefender Removal Tool
http://www.bitdefender.com/files/Kno...stall_Tool.exe
Bandwith Monitor Software
if anyone needs to keep an eye on how much there using per month for like usb/mobile internet use
Bitmeter its has a good setup its free and determines very easy the amount you use.
BitMeter - Free software downloads and reviews - CNET Download.com
hope you like the guide
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