bought new computer
 

so now i need to add all those fabulous little programs that we can't live without on to the computer...other than adaware, limewire, and mozilla/plugins...what do you suggest i add? thanks :thumbsup:

AVG free edition, free antivirus
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

It's a Macintosh? (yes, being a smartass)

There have been several "best freeware" threads in the past. Rather than starting over, perhaps you could guide the responses by mentioning your favorite applications?

CCleaner (Short for Crap Cleaner)
Registry Mechanic
RegScrub XP
Spybot
AVG Anti-Virus
DVD Shrink (This will definetly come in handy if you copy/rip dvds)
µTorrent (Great torrent client)
Winamp
OpenOffice.Org (In case you're running an OP system that didn't come bundled with an office suite - it's compatible with all the major suites out there, it's useful, open source and it's free)
Gaim (Great all-in-one messenger)

If you're running XP then you should definitely take a look into all of the registry editing programs I've listed - XP's registry is to fragile that it only takes a few bad entries to lessen system performance. I usually keep a few on each computer I have so that if one program misses something there's another in like to catch it.

You should be able to find most if not all of these programs through Download.com and if that fails then just google search the name.

CCleaner
AdAware or Spybot
ZoneAlarm
Atomic Clock
AVG anti virus

Be careful with CCleaner. While it can clear up significant HDD space, it can also delete important backup files, uninstall files, and other seemingly useless files that later will be needed. It is a good program, but you have to know what you are doing.

When I lost my laptop hard drive, I ordered for a replacement and made a list of the "important" things I lost:

Some might be applicable, some might.. but it's a perfect list for me.

Maya 7.0 (lots of 3d graphics)
Macromedia MX Suite (Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver)
Office 2003 Suite (including OneNote, take notes on my laptop)
Visual Studio 2005 (lots of .NET programming)
Emulators (SNES, Genesis, PS1, N64, NES, Atari - I like old games occasionally)
FM7 (VST instrument creation)
Cubase (Sound sequencing)
Max/MSP (same)
Norton Ghost (So I wouldn't have to re-download these AGAIN)
ZBrush (3D design)
Drivers (from CD)
XP SP2 and Critical Updates (from CD)
Firefox
Adaware
Spybot
SSH
Trillian
Backed-up Bookmarks
BitLord
Limewire Pro

That was my list. Maybe you'll pick up a few names. Google gives you great information. :)

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My guide to being Warez-free

What's your favorite text editor?
...

thanks ya'll...i do appreciate this. computers are not my strongpoint and i don't want anything to screw this computer up!