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.

    Recommended programs/stuff for a brand new laptop

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by wkdadam, Feb 14, 2009.

  1. wkdadam

    wkdadam Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hey guys. In a few hours I will have my hands on my very first laptop. Never owned one before and I'm pretty excited. Not sure exactly which laptop it will be as it is a surprise birthday present.

    I'm downloading and burning a some programs to use with the new laptop. What are some good programs/stuff that you would recommend I get to use with my first laptop? I already have a copy of Ultimate Boot CD. I was thinking about burning some benchmarking software as well.

    In general, what should I install right off the bat on my new laptop? I'm excited to get my hands on it and play around with it for a while.

    tl;dr - recommend stuff for a brand new laptop.
     
    wkdadam, Feb 14, 2009
    #1
  2. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

    Reputations:
    3,867
    Messages:
    8,218
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    216
    Free stuff or paid stuff? or Both?

    Norton Internet Security 2009
    ^^^
    You can get a 15-day Trial.

    If you dont wan to buy, i recommend Avast Free, for Anti-Virus Protection.

    Also, Google Chrome for a Web Browser.

    Check out THIS Thread for a bunch of free software. ;)
     
    ahl395, Feb 14, 2009
    #2
  3. Matt

    Matt Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    2,618
    Messages:
    1,757
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    You might like this.

    BatteryBar
    [​IMG]
    Basically the same thing as the ThinkPad power gauge, but I like this more because it's more customizable.
     
    Matt, Feb 14, 2009
    #3
  4. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

    Reputations:
    14,217
    Messages:
    15,406
    Likes Received:
    87
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Cin', Feb 14, 2009
    #4
  5. Wolf04

    Wolf04 Sony Fanatic

    Reputations:
    55
    Messages:
    841
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    The latest Firefox is a MUST. :p
     
    Wolf04, Feb 14, 2009
    #5
  6. wkdadam

    wkdadam Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I was implying that I would install stuff after removing all the bloatware already on the machine. I should have said that in the original post.

    Thanks for your suggestions so far but what I was primarily looking for is stuff that is specific to laptops in general. I know about getting all the updates, cleaning the junk out of the system, and installing my media players, browsers, and codecs. BatteryBar sounds like an interesting program, I'll definitely try that. I'm looking for cool stuff that is meant for use on a laptop.
     
    wkdadam, Feb 14, 2009
    #6
  7. THAANSA3

    THAANSA3 Exit Stage Left

    Reputations:
    171
    Messages:
    1,885
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Cin posted links that will more than help you out. You just have to take the time and peruse the information contained within. You will find tons of good and useful stuff in there; things that most of us on NBR have installed on our systems.
     
    THAANSA3, Feb 14, 2009
    #7
  8. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    1,706
    Messages:
    1,681
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Hot , Matt. You're awesome! =)
     
    garetjax, Feb 14, 2009
    #8
  9. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    146
    Messages:
    1,943
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    If it's Vista, browse the sidebars offerings. Lots of free utilities available.
     
    kanehi, Feb 14, 2009
    #9
  10. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

    Reputations:
    3,867
    Messages:
    8,218
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    216
    ^^^

    If its Vista, close the Sidebar, and it will be faster. ;) :p
     
    ahl395, Feb 14, 2009
    #10
  11. bjcadstuff

    bjcadstuff Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    54
    Messages:
    276
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I've set up 3 new computers for myself recently. Here is what I do-

    Start Internet Explorer, immediately download Firefox before going to any other website, install Firefox, close IE and never use it again unless absolutely necessary.

    Download and install Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Acrobat reader and Irfanview (photo editor). I use Notepad a lot so I make a shortcut on the desktop for it.

    Make shortcuts on the desktop for Windows Explorer and MS-DOS prompt.

    Then I copy my data, install my apps from CD's, etc.
     
    bjcadstuff, Feb 14, 2009
    #11
  12. MAG

    MAG Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    459
    Messages:
    1,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I second that.
     
    MAG, Feb 15, 2009
    #12
  13. zerosource

    zerosource Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    161
    Messages:
    910
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    filehippo.com for freeware.
     
    zerosource, Feb 15, 2009
    #13