What are "Must Have" installs on a new system for clients?

[tankman1989]

Ok, here is what I've installed so far:

Windows 7 Home Ultimate 64bit
BitDefender Total Security 2011
Microsoft Security Essentials
Malware Bytes Anti-Malware
Spybot Search & Destroy
Office 2010 Pro
VNC
Teamviewer_QS
Firefox
Opera
Adobe Reader
Adobe Flash
Adobe Shockwave
Java
MS Silverlight
Skype
Gimp 2.6
PDF Printer
Google Chrome
Google Earth
Imgburn
HijackThis


I can't think of any other applications or programs. Can anyone else suggest some programs?

 

[xxsilk109xx]

why would you have bitdefender and MSE? Are they not both AV?

Usually I install OS,
openoffice - unless customer has Office
adobe, flash, java, etc
ccleaner
auslogics defrag
windows updates
chrome
cd burner xp
MSE

Then i ask the customer if they use the following and if they do i install it for them
skype
itunes

I dont feel the need to confuse them with multiple browsers and programs they have no idea if they are able to use them or even if the mean to. I would also never install hijack this on an end user machine solely based on the stories of odd things to US that people do when trying to fix a virus from their computer..Sometimes this could only make things worse for them

my 2 cents

 

[Knightsman]

I install the OS

Antivirus (comodo free or kapersky)
All windows updates
Adobe Reader, flash, java, etc
Media Player Classic (dvd player)
Img Burn (cd burner)


Thats it unless requested from the customer. The more software you put on, the higher the chance of them accusing you of it not working right.

I dont install remote software unless they say yes, some might feel its a privacy thing, and I dont want customers thinking I have access to their computer at all times. (some customers have thought that)

 

[Jory]

I prefer to stick with stuff that opens common file associations they'll almost certainly need like 7zip, Foxit Reader, Open Office, VLC, and then something like CDBurnerXP. If it's software they have to open themselves to use I don't even bother because for 90% of everyone it will never be used. CDBurnerXP is is only one on that list that won't open because they double clicked a file, but the name is so descriptive they'll know what it is.

Then of course all the "invisible" stuff that makes other things work like Java, Flash, .Net Framework, etc that you already have listed.

 

[gikstar]

We pretty much leave it up to the customer to decide and install what they are most comfortable with (and pay for).

I usually use this utility to choose the programs and download/install them.

We used to do these manually, but this is so much better. You can also save the .exe file and use it over and over on builds if you choose. Can really save on the 'hands-on' time.

http://ninite.com/

PS... you probably knew about this installer already, but for those who don't, check it out!

 

[dk99]

why would you have bitdefender and MSE? Are they not both AV?

yeah and they both will fight over who gets the infection out and most likely the computer will stay infected. having that many anti virus , malware , spyware programs is overkill for the customer. chances are they will not know how to use them or they will know and scan useing all of them pulling the infections out of the other programs vault.

 

[Jory]

We pretty much leave it up to the customer to decide and install what they are most comfortable with (and pay for).

I usually use this utility to choose the programs and download/install them.

We used to do these manually, but this is so much better. You can also save the .exe file and use it over and over on builds if you choose. Can really save on the 'hands-on' time.

http://ninite.com/

PS... you probably knew about this installer already, but for those who don't, check it out!

Unfortunately Ninite decided they want $20 a month for techs to use their service. I'm not going to berate anyone for using it anyway, but personally I decided to go back to using Freshstall. I have plans to release an update, but I've been sidetracked by other projects.

 

[DanF]

This is the 'must have' list:

Office (OO or MS)
Adobe Reader
Flash (for IE & non-IE)
Java
Anti-Virus

This is the list of the software I 'normally' install I'm sure the client make use of them:

Live Messenger
Skype

anything more than that is useless. If the client wants to install anything else I'll be happy to install what they need... otherwise, if they don't ask for it, I won't. For instance, I don't have a clue why you would install Google Earth for the client. But this is my opinion.

 

[iisjman07]

That sounds pretty good (apart from multiple antiviruses). I tend to go for minimal installs with:
*free antivirus software + malwarebytes (what little good it does; no one ever updates or uses it)
*firefox + flash
*foxit reader
*vlc (mainly for xp with no dvd decoder)
*open office (soon to be libre office)
*team viewer

I think that's all...

 

[JosephLeo]

Hmm, well I don't like to add too much, but here goes.

First off I will update the system to the latest service pack and set automatic updates.

Next I'll install...

Google Chrome
Google Picasa
Google Earth
Web of Trust for Google Chrome
AdBlock for Google Chrome
IETab for Google Chrome
----
Microsoft Security Essentials
COMODO Internet Security Suite (either this, or the above...never both)
----
Adobe Flash
Adobe Shockwave
Adobe AIR
Adobe Reader
Microsoft .NET
Microsoft Silverlight
Java
----
CCleaner
MyDefrag (invisible- automatically defrags around 3am)
----
Digsby IM Client
Thunderbird Email Client
iTunes
VLC Player (Then set default player back to Windows Media Player)
----
Throw in my details in the OEM area
Apply my custom wallpaper
----

 

[Xander]

Tank, your list is wayyyy overkill. DanF's list is much closer to my "must-have" than "I'll throw it on in case they need it."

Win7 Ultimate is a "must have"? Why? Most users only need what comes with Home Premium. You didn't say if you were targetting business machines but Ultimate is completely unnecessary for residentials.

I'll only throw OpenOffice on if they had a pirated version of Office and I can't reinstall it for them. If they didn't have MS Office, there's no reason for me to throw on OO.

I have installed ImgBurn on one single customer computer. Ever. The vast majority of customers do no burning at all or use whatever junk came with their system. My job isn't to rock their boat. Same with VLC - while it's a superior player, most only play that little WMV file that came in their email from their Aunt Helen.
Your post reads like you might be talking about software included on a new system sold to clients (as opposed to what we'd install for a N&P) --- in which case half the stuff you're listing would be "bloatware".

Most don't need to print to PDF.
Most don't use Google Earth.
None use Gimp.

A program could only be considered a "must have" if every customer must.have.it.

* Java (borderline but not worth leaving out)
* Flash
* A PDF reader (I favour Foxit)
* An alternative browser (either Chrome or Firefox)
* An antivirus
* An antispyware (unless they're paying for it, I don't put on more than MBAM or SAS). Not that anybody ever runs extra scanners (even if installed) but I'm not looking to provide them so much protection that they will never get infected.

Optionals (and generally only if they had it before)
* Skype
* OO (if you're talking a new sold system, then definitely)

 

[ATTech]

Tank, your list is wayyyy overkill. DanF's list is much closer to my "must-have" than "I'll throw it on in case they need it."

Win7 Ultimate is a "must have"? Why? Most users only need what comes with Home Premium. You didn't say if you were targetting business machines but Ultimate is completely unnecessary for residentials.

I'll only throw OpenOffice on if they had a pirated version of Office and I can't reinstall it for them. If they didn't have MS Office, there's no reason for me to throw on OO.

I have installed ImgBurn on one single customer computer. Ever. The vast majority of customers do no burning at all or use whatever junk came with their system. My job isn't to rock their boat. Same with VLC - while it's a superior player, most only play that little WMV file that came in their email from their Aunt Helen.
Your post reads like you might be talking about software included on a new system sold to clients (as opposed to what we'd install for a N&P) --- in which case half the stuff you're listing would be "bloatware".

Most don't need to print to PDF.
Most don't use Google Earth.
None use Gimp.

A program could only be considered a "must have" if every customer must.have.it.

* Java (borderline but not worth leaving out)
* Flash
* A PDF reader (I favour Foxit)
* An alternative browser (either Chrome or Firefox)
* An antivirus
* An antispyware (unless they're paying for it, I don't put on more than MBAM or SAS). Not that anybody ever runs extra scanners (even if installed) but I'm not looking to provide them so much protection that they will never get infected.

Optionals (and generally only if they had it before)
* Skype
* OO (if you're talking a new sold system, then definitely)

+1.

No need to bloat of the system with stuff that 90% of users never used. If it's a repair, then I'll install common stuff that they have installed currently (Mozy, Office, Their browser-of-choice, etc) as someone else stated, the "invisible stuff" and common extension (.PDF) programs are all that is needed.

 

[Don W.]

Instead of Adobe reader I've started using PDF-Xchange viewer:

http://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-viewer

I find it to be noticeably faster, use fewer resources, and it doesn't want to constantly update and add items I don't want.

Foxit Reader is another simple reader if all you want is view and print but on just a glance it's slower that PDF-Xchange.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[iisjman07]

I find it to be noticeably faster, use fewer resources, and it doesn't want to constantly update and add items I don't want.

+1, and adobe products are horrific security flaws, so installing a different pdf reader may protect users from certain exploits

 

[16k_zx81]

Instead of Adobe reader I've started using PDF-Xchange viewer:

http://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-viewer

I find it to be noticeably faster, use fewer resources, and it doesn't want to constantly update and add items I don't want.

Foxit Reader is another simple reader if all you want is view and print but on just a glance it's slower that PDF-Xchange.

Just my 2 cents...

YEP. Agree with this. I used Foxit for a loooong time and since using PDF-Xchange, have never looked back. Its an app you don't hear about as much, but its rock solid and quick, with a nice feature set.

Recommended.

 

[16k_zx81]

On Non-OEM machines (not restored from partition):

-- using freenew.net - which I like, however it does install apps that come with toolbars, unlike ninite.com. However it is free.

===

7zip
foxit (freenew.net does not have pdf xchange unfortunately)
flash IE
flash non-ie
DOTNET
K-Lite codecs
MSSE
VLC (a second media player with built-in codecs is never a bad idea)
IMGburn
Firefox with Adblock Plus and WOT + Autopager* - once people have used this they generally don't look back at IE

===

I may add skype, paint.net, libreoffice, etc, depending on the uses of the machine.

Am debating Silverlight. At the moment I dont install it. What do others think about Silverlight as an 'essential' component?

A number of people above have mentioned OO - what about Libreoffice?


*anyone else using this? - its a killer add-on, IMO

 

[16k_zx81]

Ok, here is what I've installed so far:

Windows 7 Home Ultimate 64bit
BitDefender Total Security 2011
Microsoft Security Essentials
Malware Bytes Anti-Malware
Spybot Search & Destroy
Office 2010 Pro
VNC
Teamviewer_QS
Firefox
Opera
Adobe Reader
Adobe Flash
Adobe Shockwave
Java
MS Silverlight
Skype
Gimp 2.6
PDF Printer
Google Chrome
Google Earth
Imgburn
HijackThis


I can't think of any other applications or programs. Can anyone else suggest some programs?

EEK!

Agree with above comments - too much: bloat!!

 

[Cybjun]

My "Must Haves" included with new computers & fresh installs:
> Latest Microsoft Updates
> Adobe Acrobat reader (I do recommend foxits PDF Reader)
> Adobe Flash
> Java
> Quicktime (for business) or iTunes w/ quicktime for home PCs

then the Anti-Virus, & Office are installed if client wants to purchase and pay my $5 per title install fee.

I do not install any shareware or freeware apps because I don't know if the client will ever use them even if its something I recommend. If you install a browswer or application that they never use and never update it just means another security risk . so I recommend but never force different applications then whats included with windows.

 

[DanF]

@ 16k_zx81

I install Silverlight, it's not going to bloat the whole system as it's a small piece of software, and also automatically installs from MS Update.

After reading some of the posts, might start installing VLC as well.

 

[tankman1989]

Tank, your list is wayyyy overkill. DanF's list is much closer to my "must-have" than "I'll throw it on in case they need it."

Win7 Ultimate is a "must have"? Why? Most users only need what comes with Home Premium. You didn't say if you were targetting business machines but Ultimate is completely unnecessary for residentials.

I'll only throw OpenOffice on if they had a pirated version of Office and I can't reinstall it for them. If they didn't have MS Office, there's no reason for me to throw on OO.

I have installed ImgBurn on one single customer computer. Ever. The vast majority of customers do no burning at all or use whatever junk came with their system. My job isn't to rock their boat. Same with VLC - while it's a superior player, most only play that little WMV file that came in their email from their Aunt Helen.
Your post reads like you might be talking about software included on a new system sold to clients (as opposed to what we'd install for a N&P) --- in which case half the stuff you're listing would be "bloatware".

Most don't need to print to PDF.
Most don't use Google Earth.
None use Gimp.

A program could only be considered a "must have" if every customer must.have.it.

* Java (borderline but not worth leaving out)
* Flash
* A PDF reader (I favour Foxit)
* An alternative browser (either Chrome or Firefox)
* An antivirus
* An antispyware (unless they're paying for it, I don't put on more than MBAM or SAS). Not that anybody ever runs extra scanners (even if installed) but I'm not looking to provide them so much protection that they will never get infected.

Optionals (and generally only if they had it before)
* Skype
* OO (if you're talking a new sold system, then definitely)

First I must say I was mistaken when I said Ultimate, I meant Premium.. I get confused w/ home versions b/c I usually one deal with Pro versions.

As for the rest of the apps, for my customer, I think they will all be used, especially the AV/spyware. This is a relative who lives a few hundred miles away and I don't want to have any issues trying to clean it remotely if I have to so I am putting things on before hand.

Someone said that there was a lot of bloat. Really? What do you consider bloat? Having a lot of programs to choose from isn't bloat. Bloat is when a program is a memory or resource hog. With over 500GB free I think he is going to be ok for a while considering his XP machine only has 3GB of data to transfer. Bloat is an OS that requires 2GB ram just to load and doesn't have nearly as much to do with LTS (HD) space.

While I'm sure MSE would be adequate for some or BitDefender for others, you'd be surprised at the amount of crap that comes through his machine. I've found that those two programs work absolutely wonderfully together and have not had one instance of one stepping on the others toes.

As for spybot and MBAM, I'm going to be remoting in to do some maintenance work every could months so I need those there to run scans and clean the machine up.