New Machine: What to install first?
Last year, I published a list of my “Must Have Windows Applications” and I’ll admit, I hit it up when I got my new notebook this week to remind myself of what I needed to download and install. I’m taking a new philosophy with this Notebook: I’m only going to install what I know I need, and what I know I’ll use on a regular basis. If I find I need something I’ll install it then, and only then. I’m going to try to keep this machine as lean and clean as possible. My ultimate goal is to be able to an in-place upgrade to Windows 7 (final) later this year. This should go well from the reports I’ve seen of folks upgrading x64 Vista systems to the x64 Release Candidate of Windows 7, and I’m sure the leaner the machine, the better.
Some of my changes?
First off, I’ve opted not to install Office. I find I rarely use any of the MS Office applications at home, and I haven’t installed Open Office either – I’m actually going to try to stick with using Google Docs once the need arises.
Secondly, I’ve pretty much given up on learning a hard-core programming language (like C#) right now. I simply have to many other things on my plate, and I don’t have the time to devote too it. I did install Microsoft’s new Small Basic as I have had some great fun with it. Reminds me of being a kid hacking around in QBASIC in DOS 
I’ve also changed some of my preferences in other tools as you will see below – so here is my current list of “what I install” first off when setting up a new machine:
7zip – Still my favorite archiving application
AVG Free – Still my favorite Anti-Virus solution. It has a small memory footprint and has proven effective and reliable for me.
Google Chrome – Chrome has quickly become my default browser of choice.
Mozilla Firefox – Although Chrome has become my favorite browser, I still (and probably always will) keep Firefox installed.
Filezilla – Great FTP client that has always served me well.
Dropbox – My friend and co-worker Chris Reeder turned me onto Dropbox and I can’t thank him enough! Be sure to check it out for a cheap/free online backup/sync tool!
Hulu Desktop – Who needs TV when you have Hulu? The web version was great, Hulu Desktop takes Hulu into an entirely different dimension – it’s awesome!
iTunes – I don’t have an iPod (yet), and I still manage/play my .mp3 files with WMP, but I use iTunes to listen to live on-line radio streams & podcasts.
Paint.NET – Has all the image editing tools I need.
RoyalTS – Favorite RDP manager (note, you need the older version to have more than 12 connections)
Pidgin – It’s an IM client…it works.
TweetDeck – My new favorite Twitter client, now that I can create groups and sync them across multiple PC’s.
VirtualBox – I think VirtualBox has passed VMware in speed, features, and functionality – best of all? It’s Free!
VLC – Handles all of those media files that won’t open in anything else!
Vista Codec Pack and x64 Additions – Just extra codecs for WMP.
Windows Live Writer – Best blogging editor ever created – hands down!
Notepad2 (or this improved version to be exact) – I use the improved version – it is available as a native x64 application and has an installer which “replaces” Windows Notepad with Notepad2.
Open Command Prompt Shell Extension – I found this on the same site as the improved Notepad2 – adds a useful contextual menu item to open a command prompt in whatever folder you are browsing in Windows Explorer. I’ve found this little utility to be endlessly useful.
So there you have it, my updated list of awesomely useful tools, utilities and applications. What are your favorites?
Thanks for the list. I use much less. For the few I know, may I suggest:
- Notepad++ 5.43 http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/site.htm (instead of Notepad2). I have evaluated many text editors, and I am not the kind of person afraid to change habits on text editor. Notepad++ is the one I like the most.
- Miranda 0.81 http://www.miranda-im.org/
In Windows, the light weight, multi-protocols, performance, nice skins, open source IM is Miranda.
WARNING: learning curve is a little bit complicated. I recommend two indispensable plug in: Contact List Modern and TabSRMM. Then you can try skins in http://browse.deviantart.com/customization/skins/im/miranda/
After you are through with Miranda, I think you will like it.
Good lucks
Thanks for the reply Garry.
I’ve tried (and used) Notepad++ in the past. There are features on both editors I like, and for a long time I kept them both installed – I just found myself using Notepad2 all the time, and finally quit installing Notepad++. Also, another interesting option is Cream, which is VIM but with more modern commands (such as ALT+S, CTRL+C, CTRL+V, etc).
I’ve never heard of Miranda – might check it out. I just switched to Pidgin from years of using Trillian though – not sure I’m ready to learn a new program yet – I’ve *just* got Pidgin set up the way I like
Although I use Pidgin on my home computer (Ubuntu 9.04 x64). In terms of IM client, I clearly prefer Miranda that I find has far better GUI and is more compatible with various IM protocols.
As a geek under Windows, you must know MirandaIM. It is superior than Pidgin. It will requires sometimes to play around to get used to. Once you get comfortable, try these skins: http://browse.deviantart.com/customization/skins/im/miranda/
Especially the ones from this author http://haven667.deviantart.com/
I am not sure if the development of Pidgin is still active under Windows. The development comminity of Miranda is very active. The only drawback with Miranda is the wealth of its plug-ins. Ad the version evolves, the authors sometimes cumulate too many options that look really confusing.
Here are the two plug-ins I recommend:
- Modern Contact List (required to use skins)
- TabSRMM Messaging Interface (tabbed message window)
All downloads here: http://www.miranda-im.org/download/
So you knew Notepad++ ? Features I can’t live without are tabbed interface, rectangular selection, right-click + Open with Notepad++, and various plug-ins. But if you are happy with Notepad2 then it’s OK.
Also check out:
- FreeCommander: dual panes Windows Explore
- Foobar: media player. Lots of power users recommend it. Can listen to radio too. GUI may look rudimentary but I find very efficient.
- KMPlayer: I find it better than VLC. Same codec performance, better GUI, better keyboard shortcuts, better playlist management.