/Pre-installed-software

Documentation and installers for standard applications that I include on computers that I build.

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Congratulations on your new computer!

I hope you're enjoying your new computer. Here you'll find a list of apps that I've pre-installed for you and important next steps you should take to finish setting up your computer.

What's Installed?

Here are the standard applications that I have installed for you. You can use the links below to bring up the websites for these programs. Talk to me if you need something else.

Standard Install

These are the standard applications that I pre-install on all computers I build:

  • Browsers
    • Firefox
    • Chrome
    • Opera
    • Why both? It's good to have a couple handy. Use whichever one you prefer, try the other if something doesn't seem to work.
  • Utilities
    • Zoom
    • VLC - A fantastic media player app, especially handy for videos. It'll play almost any media you throw at it.
    • KeePass - I've never met anyone who could remember all their passwords. This is a great little free, secure password management tool that I've used for years. Make yourself a little password database, and create entries for all your passwords. You'll have to remember the password to your KeePass file, but after that, it takes care of the rest for you.
    • 7-Zip - A robust application for working with compressed files (such as *.ZIP files)

Personalized apps

While building your computer, I will install other software applications upon request. Some common requests include:

  • Media
    • Spotify - Free music streaming.
    • iTunes
    • MediaMonkey - Unless you need iTunes, I actually recommend that you try MediaMonkey. I prefer it to iTunes and use it myself. However, if you're already happy with iTunes I can install that for you instead.
    • Audacity - Useful if you want to record audio files.
  • Communication
    • Skype
    • Thunderbird - Email client. Free, open-source, lots of satisfied users.
  • Cloud Storage
  • Other
    • MalwareBytes - A great supplemental malware removal tool. If you think you've got a malware problem, run a scan in here.
    • Foxit Reader - An alternative PDF reader application.
    • ImgBurn - I use this all the time to burn CDs and DVDs. Works great, very reliable.
    • LibreOffice - If you did not purchase a Microsoft Office license, this is a capable, free, open-source office suite that should meet the needs of the average home user.
    • Evernote

What's Next?

There are a few items you'll want to take care of first thing after you set up your computer at home. Here are some instructions.

Do you have a printer to install?

If you're planning to add a printer, you can install this yourself using the instructions in the printer box. This is usually a straightforward process. I recommend connecting your printer over USB (not wireless) if you're doing this yourself.

What is your plan for backup?

Now is the time to set this up, rather than after you lose data, which is too late. I do not pre-install backup software for you. However, I can recommend the one that I use: Backblaze

Last time I checked, Backblaze cost about $50 per computer, per year. That's a fair price to pay for a reliable off-site backup of your data. If you sign up using my link above, we'll both get a couple months free.

It's very easy for you to install this on your own. Once you do, leave your computer turned on for several days to allow it to complete its first backup. In fact, it's generally a good practice to leave your computer on most of the week.

That's It!

You're all set! Enjoy your new computer!