Best Software for Newbies' Computers

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This page is a list of software you could recommend to anyone. (My litmus test is how good would it be for my grandparents, for example). Meaning:

1. Easy to use out-of-the-box
2. Good enough to be referenced elsewhere on this site
3. Not have pop-up ads or emailed license key

 Jump to:

• Security
• Disk and File
• System
• Multimedia
• Productivity
• Internet

Security

Best Antivirus Software

Best Firewall

Best Browser Protection Utility

SafeSpace

Best Adware/Spyware/Scumware Remover

Threatfire

SuperAntiSpyware

Best Trojan Scanner/Trojan Remover

PC Tools ThreatFire

Best Rootkit Scanner/Remover

Panda Anti Rootkit

Disk & File

Best File Archiving Utility

IZArc

Best Backup Program

SyncToy

Best Disk De-fragmenter

JKDefrag (Set screensaver)

System Tools

Best PC Tune-up Utility

Advanced SystemCare Free

Best Startup Manager

Startup Control Panel 2.8

Best File Cleaner

CCleaner (Set to run on startup)

Best Memory Optimizer

CleanMem

Best Program Un-installer

MyUninstaller

Best Software Update Monitor

Update Notifier

Best Screen Capture Utility

Gadwin PrintScreen

Best System Information Utility

Multimedia

Best CD / DVD Burning Software

BurnAware Free

Best Audio / Video Format Conversion Program

Quick Media Converter

Best Media Player

VLC (with Mozilla plugin)

Best Music Player and Organizer

Teen Spirit

Best Online TV Viewer

Best Digital Image Viewer

FastStone Image Viewer

Best Digital Image Editor

Productivity

Best PDF Writer

Best Office Suite

Openoffice.org

Best Non-Adobe PDF Reader

Foxit Reader

Internet Tools

Best Web Browser

Mozilla Firefox 3.0

Best Email Client

Mozilla Thunderbird

Best Instant Messaging Client

Trillian Basic

Best BitTorrent Client

Have Your Say! Edit this List.

This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Arithmomaniac.