The Clean PC Installation: 5 Open-Source Programs You Can’t Live Without
Configuring a new pc can be a daunting task. Whenever I reinstall windows or build a a new PC, I always install the following 6 programs before I install any other software. The programs listed below are open-source titles and will help you establish a functional, stable, and secure platform on which to run your PC, and are listed in the order to be installed.
The anti-virus and firewall selections are relatively new additions to my list. I was a loyal Symantec customer for many years and due to recent problems with Symantec software I no longer use their anti-virus or firewall products. I still use their Systemworks package and Norton Ghost. If you are interested you can read my post about my decision to stop using certain Symantec Products (coming soon).
Note that I’ve listed two anti-spyware programs on purpose, as I run both programs in the hopes that running two programs will cover a more broad spectrum of spyware threats than running one alone. Also be aware that many of these programs also have paid versions that add functionality not offered in the free versions such as enhanced customer support options.
Because you don’t want to connect a new PC to the internet before you have anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware software installed, burn a CD with these titles on it ahead of time so you don’t open your computer to unnecessary risks. DO NOT connect your computer to the internet without ant-virus, firewall AND anti-spyware software installed.
1. Download and install the most recent service pack for your version of Windows.
- Windows 2000 Service Packs at Microsoft.com
- Windows XP Service Packs at Microsoft.com
- Windows Vista SP1 - Release pending
2. Anti-Virus - Grisoft AntiVirus Free. Grisoft offers a great anti-virus program at a great price — free. It will scan in the background and it automatically updates virus definitions.
3. Firewall - Zone Alarm Free - A firewall is a critical tool in protecting your computer from threats from the outside world while you are connected to the internet. Zone Alarm Free is an easy to use starter firewall. Their paid versions offer more configuration options.
4. Anti-Spyware - Lavasoft Adaware. Adaware is a popular program that will scan your hard drive for adaware (and spyware). The free version does not perform real time scanning so you have to remember to run the scanner frequently on your own.
5. Anti-Spyware - Spybot Search and Destroy. Spybot S&D is another valuable ant-spyware tool. This program also does not provide real-time scanning so you will again need to run this scanner frequently on your own.
6. Anti-Keylogger - Snoop Free Privacy Shield. Keyloggers are malicious programs that record your keystrokes, the idea being that the software “records” what you are typing and sends the information to someone who is trying to use your personal information. Snoop Free is a great program because it will alert you any time a program is trying to log your keystrokes. Most programs do NOT need to log your keystrokes and this program gives you the option to allow or deny the program the ability to record your keystrokes. Some programs actually do need to log keystrokes (e.g if you are creating a macro), but you can always later grant a program permission to log keystrokes even if you’ve originally prevented the software from doing so.
Once all of these items are installed, I then go ahead and connect to the internet, and install the rest of the software on my computer.
