Must-Have Apps for Windows 7 Must-Have Apps for Windows 7

So you've bought a new computer, with a relatively new Windows 7 preinstalled. What do you install on it right away? To each their own, of course, and you probably have your favorite software; but it is still possible to list some of the most essential utilities. Let's try and do that.

1-Transformation Packs

First, you might want to change the look of your Windows 7. It's not the oldest OS out there, but design trends have definitely changed since its release. Installing so-called transformation packs can give you the desired result. These can make your system look like the latest Windows 8, if you're into this whole Metro thing, or even Mac OS X, in case you're switching from an Apple machine and want to ease the pain. That there are two possible options for either of those, only slightly different in the depth of changes made to the system.

2-Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security EssentialsMicrosoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials brings safety to your system. It's an antivirus that has firewall integration, so you can also make sure your data is not being sent somewhere without your consent. All in all, a descent free tool - quite enough to last you until you decide to install something bigger.

3-CCleaner

CCleaner ToolCCleaner Tool

Here's one to have in your software library at all times. This little tool helps you keep your PC in a good state by cleaning your registry, browsing history, leftover files, etc. It is easy to operate and very efficient. You won't believe how useful it is.

4-Prey

I wouldn't be surprised if you said you've never heard about this program. But it's actually quite useful in terms of security. What does it do? It tracks your mobile or notebook (e.g. in case one of those is stolen) and sends you reports about your device's location, state, etc.

5-Kingsoft Office

Kingsoft Office SuitKingsoft Office Suit

If you've just bought your computer, chances are you've also got a trial version of the Microsoft Office suite. Sooner or later it will expire and you might want to use one of the free alternatives. I'd suggest Kingsoft Office for this purpose. It's not as functional as MS Office, of course, that goes without saying. But it is still quite useful for regular things, like typing and formatting long documents, editing spreadsheets, building presentations, etc.

6-Uniextractor or 7-zip

7-zip Archiver7-zip Archiver

Compressing files saves you time and effort when you're sending them. Extracting compressed archives is essential if you want to use the files that are kept inside. I guess there's no point elaborating why file compression apps are important. Uniextractor is a handy tool of the kind, though it's not so well known. It works quickly and well enough. Though you might want to skip experimenting and get the more widely spread tool - 7-zip. Its universal praise is rightly deserved, believe me.

7-Skype

This tool is often included in all operating systems by Microsoft starting from some of the Windows 7 editions, so you may not even have to install it. Skype is the go-to service for corporative communication or just chatting with friends. Free voice calls and free video calls to other Skype users, great video and sound quality - what more could you ask for?

8-KMP or Winamp

KMPlayerKMPlayer

At some point you'll probably want to use your computer to listen to music. It's just the way it is. KMP and Winamp are probably the most-known applications that you can use for this purpose, and the fame seems rightly deserved, especially when you take into account that you can use them to watch videos as well. They're both quite powerful and you'll likely just pick whichever looks nicer.

9-Alternative Browser

You may be quite OK with using Internet Explorer for browsing, there's nothing wrong with that. If you're not, you may find Chrome or Firefox more useful. Both work faster and seem to be more secure than Microsoft's offering. You won't be disappointed with either of them.

10-Picasa

Picasa Graphic ToolPicasa Graphic Tool

Now, some of us buy computers to work with photos - organize them, catalog them, put them into albums, and so on. These people will be happy to know that there are tools like Picasa. It is not that powerful in terms of photo editing, but it gets the job done for the most part. And it is free.

I hope these tools will help you start working on your brand-new PC soon after you first boot it up. There are, of course, many other options, and it was really hard to decide which ones to include and which to leave off. If you think something is missing, leave a comment and let everyone know.

Here to the top applications for Windows XP.

How do you change the look of the operating system?
 
G
Guest
Winamp is God! Anything else is a copycat.

Was it helpful?  yes(2) no(0) | Reply
E
edwin
You should try Zune as it's amazing.

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G
Guest
Winamp Pro has been, and probably will always be the best player you can find, especially when you arm it with the right plug-ins, and there are tons of them.

I also like foobar2000, especially for the ability to have as many play-lists as you want, in multiple tabs, and switch from one to the other with a simple click of a tab. It's also capable of converting from one format to another, if you need a simple & quick conversion on the fly.

VLC used to be my favorite, but it has grown (carelessly, I must add) quite a bit in size, and it crashes very frequently, especially on Windows XP. So I have dropped it from my collection quite a while ago.

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G
Guest
Why is there no info about Mario games? Shok

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G
Guest
Guest, Mario games aren't on PC

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L
leonardo
I guess you forgot about the software manager such as Software Informer Smile

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G
Guest
I like Splash for playing HD videos.

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G
Guest
I like KMP.

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B
Bazo0ka
+1, tried a lot of players - KMPlayer is the best of 'em!

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G
Guest
I prefer VLC player.

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B
Boby
Thank you for the article, it's really very interesting. But the picture is...boring. Please make it more attractive.

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K
Keath_Wyszynski
Ma'am, yes, Ma'am!

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J
Jørgen Walters
No love for Foobar2000 again. Aww.

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N
Nova Vozrak
Frankly speaking, just forgot about this nice player. It also deserves to be mentioned for sure.

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Referenced Windows applications

7-Zip
FREE
rating

Pack and unpack the most common archive file formats for free.

CCleaner
FREE
rating

Keep your PC free of junk data, leftovers and all other unnecessary files.

Firefox
FREE
rating

Browse the Internet and download files without worrying about privacy.

Google Chrome
FREE
rating

Surf the Internet securely on a multi-tabbed modern web browser.

Internet Explorer
FREE
rating

Browse the Web in a secure environment with HTML5 support.

Kingsoft Office
rating

Three full featured office applications: Writer, Spreadsheets and Presentation

Microsoft Security Essentials
FREE
rating

It protects you against viruses, spyware, and other malicious threats.

Picasa
FREE
rating

Easily view and edit your photos and share them to Google+.

Skype
FREE
rating

Chat and make audio/video calls with your friends.

The KMPlayer
FREE
rating

Enjoy your favorite movies with an all-round player.

Winamp
FREE
rating

Manage and play audio and video files in your computer, and listen to podcasts.

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