Essential Software for a Smooth Computer Setup

Introduction

The moment we acquire a new computer or operate a fresh operating system (OS), it's crucial to install certain essential software to ensure a seamless and productive user experience. In this article, we'll explore the key applications I immediately install on a new computer or OS, highlighting their importance and functionality.

Choosing the Right Browser: Firefox vs. Microsoft Edge

When setting up a new computer, one of the first programs I install is Firefox. This decision is driven by personal preference and the desire to break away from ingrained habits. While Microsoft Edge has significantly improved, the shift isn't easy to accomplish. Firefox, on the other hand, offers a rich set of features and add-ons that enhance browsing experience.

Data Compression and Decompression: 7-Zip

Another indispensable piece of software for any new installation is 7-Zip. As a powerful, lightweight, and efficient compression and decompression tool, 7-Zip ensures that files can be easily packaged, compressed, and unpacked. This is particularly useful when downloading and installing software updates or unpacking various file formats.

Open-Source Alternatives for Productivity

Afraid of spending money? No worries, there are plenty of open-source alternatives that can meet your productivity needs. For word-processing and spreadsheet work, LibreOffice is a robust and feature-rich choice. Similarly, for photo editing, GIMP offers many of the functionalities found in proprietary photo editing software. Audacity is a powerful tool for audio editing, while programs like Avidemux, VirtualDub, and ProjectX cater to video editing needs. Lastly, MP3Tag can be used for managing and editing MP3 tags, ensuring that all your media files are organized and tagged correctly.

Multimedia and Game Play

For multimedia needs, VLC is an excellent choice for a video player. It supports a wide range of formats and offers the flexibility to play, record, convert, and stream multimedia content. Additionally, for an enjoyable gaming experience, a package called Windows7 Games For Windows10 allows you to play classic Windows 7 games on Windows 10, adding a nostalgic twist to your gaming setup.

Code Development: IDEs and Tools

For those involved in programming, the choice of software is equally important. I typically install IntelliJ IDEA ultimate, a powerful and comprehensive IDE, as well as the necessary plugins. For Kubernetes development, the CLI and minikube are essential. Additionally, tools like Go, AWS CLI, and Spark are indispensable for various development and integration tasks.

Wrapping Up: Your Personal Installation Script

While the above list covers many of the essentials, individual needs may vary. To streamline the process, I have a personal script, a bash script for Linux users, that automates the installation of these key applications. Here is a sample list:

Firefox7-ZipLibreOfficeGIMPAudacityAvidemuxVirtualDubProjectXMP3TagVLCWindows7 Games For Windows10IntelliJ IDEA ultimateGoKubernetes CLIMinikubeSparkPsPadNotepad

With the proper setup, a new computer installation can be a smooth and stress-free process. By installing these key applications, you'll ensure a productive and efficient computing environment from the very first moments of your new hardware or OS.