Just reinstalled Windows 8...now what? (1 Viewer)

[Polish Hammer]

I basically had this new Dell XPS 8700 desktop crumble on me in the last week. So I had to reinstall Windows 8 on it and I'm done with that. So as of right now I only have the basics: Windows 8, drives/utilities, IE, and Kaspersky Internet Security.

Other than Chrome and MS Office, iTunes, etc...the big platform stuff...what other programs applications should I have on here? I have my own ideas from years of computing but wanted to ask you all what you felt were the most helpful, basic, (and hopefully free) pieces of software that I should put on here.

Fire away.

 

[Chaka]

What type of stuff are you looking to do?

Do you have a file archiver? 7-Zip is excellent and free.

 

[Polish Hammer]

As for file archiving, I was going to do the new "file history" thing built into Windows 8. But I'm open-minded to other options as well. Convince me.

7-Zip is going to be on the list.

In a similar vein, any good/free backup software would be good. I have a separate WD external drive that I used to back up stuff in the past. I think the software that came preloaded onto it is not compatible with Windows 8 anymore, so I need a solution for that.

Other than the stuff covered by the Kaspersky...what else do I need? I used to use a blend of Spybot S&D, CleanUp, Malwarebytes, and a few other free utilities. I was wondering what the consensus is on best ones to use these days. Aren't Microsoft's free ones supposed to be pretty decent now?

I have an old copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 10...any better (or equivalent) free options?

 

[Chaka]

I didn't realize Win 8 had it's own archiver.

I am not sure you even need a 3rd party antivirus program. Windows Defender has been working solidly for my rig which I have had for about 9 months now.

 

[jhib]

Blackdot.

I'm thinking is should start fresh on one of my old laptops soon. There's a lot of stuff on there I never use.

Also, nitenite.com is probably still pretty useful.

 

[jhib]

Oh, and one answer to your question: VLC for playing different media.

 

[Chaka]

Oh, and one answer to your question: VLC for playing different media.

A third party media player is probably a good idea.

I really like Media Player Classic which comes with the KLite codec packs.

 

[VA703]

winamp

free firewall, maybe zonealarm or sygate

games? roms/emulators

nero

dvdfab