I just installed Microsoft Vista (the next OS after XP) It has been a very bad product up until Service Pack one came out. It seems a little better and several clients have it so I’ve got to start learning it. I’ll let you know how its working out. Its a work copy on a machine a client didn’t need anymore. AMD proc with a gig of RAM, not bad but Vista could use a little more.
Installing a fresh OS (operating system) got me to thinking about the programs I instantly download on all my windows machines. Here’s a list: (By the way… None of them cost a dime!!)
**the first thing to do and the thing to do on a very regular basis is to go into Internet Explorer, go to Tools and choose Windows Update and follow the instructions. Windows must be up to date to be anywhere near secure.**
- VLC – the universal video player, if it doesn’t play it, you don’t need to watch it.
- Firefox – the more secure, faster, add-on-able internet browser (IE7 is a good improvement almost)
- Adobe – Reader and the flash plugin for internet browsers.
- AVG free version 8- The anti-virus software that is free, it even scans your email, the pay version is the one I recommend to anyone needing a full security application like spyware, malware, root-kits, etc. AVG free is the bare minimum of protection.
- Jing – Takes screenshots and records video of the screen for tutorials and such
- K9 web protection – the internet content filter.
- X3watch – the internet accountability software.
- OpenDNS – I set the network properties to use the OpenDNS servers to catch any internet baddies that might sneak by
- iTunes – gotta have my podcasts
- Paint.net - the “much better than MSPaint, much freeer than Photoshop” drawing program.
- The GiMP – the “almost as good as Photoshop” free “everything graphic” program.
- Filezilla – The best ftp client I’ve ever used. FTP software allows movement of files from the local PC to a location on the Internet and vise-versa.
- OpenOffice.org – The FREE office suite. That’s right, you don’t have to pay $400 for Microsoft Office.
Do you have any must have applications for your machines
"The question was, 'Have you rebooted?' not 'Do you believe that rebooting will help your situation?'" 
Nice article
All of those I either have or have tried.
Though I would not recommend Adobe Reader, I found it a bit chunky. Instead I use Foxit Reader, it’s a more lightweight version with all the features.
Hey everybody (OK, three of you)
Meet Mike (above).
Mike runs Rogem.net, the hosting plan I use for 3 of my sites. Very quick customer service and ridiculously cheap hosting plans for outrageously large drive spaces.
Thanks for stopping by Mike, good to see you.