The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Any software that is needed?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by KillWonder, Jul 12, 2015.

  1. KillWonder

    KillWonder Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    155
    Messages:
    432
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    31
    From a clean windows install, which software would you recommend to definitely install for optimization and security issues?
     
  2. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    579
    Messages:
    3,537
    Likes Received:
    488
    Trophy Points:
    151
    I would first get MSE for Windows 7 and below and for Windows 8 would be Defender...that is my choice and they are free since you already paid for Windows and they don't send ads popup ads to you. I had no problem using MSE for Windows 7 also a big plus is MSE/Defender will turn on your Windows Update if you forget to turn this on to "Auto" update to future protect your O/S while updating the O/S at the same time. This is something all other A/V can't do.
     
  3. Spartan@HIDevolution

    Spartan@HIDevolution Company Representative

    Reputations:
    39,567
    Messages:
    23,559
    Likes Received:
    36,826
    Trophy Points:
    931
    Yes, install MSE / Windows Defender and open the door to viruses. It's almost as good as nothing.

    Here is what I personally use:

    For Security: Avast AntiVirus Pro + MVPS Hosts File + uBlock to block ads in my Firefox + Privacy Badger Add-On in Firefox to prevent sites from tracking you when you visit them + SUPERAntiSpyware Free just to get rid of the tracking cookies

    Other programs:

    • 7+ Taskbar Tweaker
    • AIDA64 Extreme
    • Autoruns (to control what programs startup with Windows)
    • CCleaner
    • MPC-HC
    • CPU-Z
    • Cyberlink PowerDVD 15 Ultra
    • Cyberlink YouCam 7
    • FastStone Capture
    • GPU-Z
    • Macrium Reflect
    • MiniTool Partition Wizard Pro
    • Nero Platinum Suite 2015
    • UltraDefrag
    • WinRAR
    • dBpoweramp (to convert the Audio CDs that I have into high quality MP3s)
    • Fotosizer
    • HD Tune Pro
    • Internet Download Manager
    • PassMark PerformanceTest
    • PDF-XChange Editor
    • qBittorrent
    • SyncBackPro
    • Tag&Rename
    • Total Uninstall
    • UltraISO
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2015
    SL2 likes this.
  4. 3Fees

    3Fees Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    541
    Messages:
    970
    Likes Received:
    136
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Malwarebytes Anti-malware-free edition
    Revo Uninstaller to remove remnants of uninstalled programs
    CCleaner
    Registry Recycler ( I have the paid version of this $2, one time fee, download-digital river or cnet)
    Free anti virus program with firewall many out there to choose from--one with a small footprint

    Cheers
    3Fees :)

    _____________________________________________________________________________________
    HP Pavilion 17" AMD Elite A10-5750M-8750G-APU,Micron-Crucial Ballistix Sport- 16GB DDR3L- 1866Mhz with automatic Over/Under Clocking of DDR3 Ram by the AMD APU-1866 MHz Memory Controller-Built in the APU Architecture, Samsung EVO 250GB SSD,Logitec LS1- Laser Mouse 5000 DPI, Seagate Backup Plus USB 3.0 drive -1TB size, Windows 8.1 Full Retail Box Version, 64 Bit installed. I have Lexar S33 32GB USB 3 Jump Drive ~ 100/50 MB/s.
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2015
  5. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    579
    Messages:
    3,537
    Likes Received:
    488
    Trophy Points:
    151
    That's so far has been a myth that can't hold water.

    CCleaner - Free
    MSE/Defender - Free
    Acronis Disk Director 12 - paid

    Other valuable software
    Foobar- Free
    WinDVD 11 Pro - paid
    Acrobat Pro 11 - paid
    Firefox- Free
    utorrent version 2.0.4 not version past this version - Free
    Youtube downloader HD - Free
    VLC - Free
    Free Download Manager - Free
    Quicktime - paid
    Keypass - free - keeps password and login sites in one location and can be password protected
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2015