New XP Install for offline use. Need Ideas

[seanbrockest]

I'm building a system for use by my mother. She's going to be using it on dialup internet, and she's somewhat net-iliterate. I want to have it ready to rock and roll for her.

Here's what's installed so far

Windows XP Home (updated)
Microsoft Office XP
FFDShow Video Drivers
Spy-Bot S&D
Hijack This
Ad-Aware
AVS (Anti-virus)
Winamp
Adobe Reader
Windows Live Messenger


Any other suggestions.

 

[seanbrockest]

K, IE crashed when i posted that, need to fix that... but i dunno how.

EDIT: But it didn't crashs when i posted the reply

 

[davemar14]

I install the following programs in addition to your list when I do computer jobs and repairs:

1. Quicktime
2. Java
3. Flash Player
4. Shockwave Player
5. Spyware Blaster
6. Update Windows Media Player
7. Firefox (Should be #1), haha

My System:
http://amdgamingrig.dyndns.org

 

[seanbrockest]

that's a nice list, thank you!

 

[g-paw]

I'd probably put on the free version of ZoneAlarm although I don't now how imporanta a firewall is when you're uisng dial-up

 

[dlmac]

AVG Free (Antivirus)
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

Quick time alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/QuickTime_Alternative_download.htm

Real alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/Real_Alternative_download.htm


Quick time and Real come with to many extras, go for these alternative ones instead. AVG is free and uses minimal resources. In my experience, IE has been a lot faster then FireFox. I load times i mean. I can't tell to much of a difference in speed of browsing. ZoneAlarm may be a good idea, but I personally do not like it.

 

[g-paw]

AVG Free (Antivirus)
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

Quick time alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/QuickTime_Alternative_download.htm

Real alternative
http://www.free-codecs.com/Real_Alternative_download.htm


Quick time and Real come with to many extras, go for these alternative ones instead. AVG is free and uses minimal resources. In my experience, IE has been a lot faster then FireFox. I load times i mean. I can't tell to much of a difference in speed of browsing. ZoneAlarm may be a good idea, but I personally do not like it.

I've used ZoneAlarm for years and am curious what you don't like about it. I used the ZoneAlarm Security Suite for a year and didn't particular like it, like most suites too resource intensive, but the firewal always worked well.

 

[dlmac]

I just meant that for me it was one extra thing that I would have to run on my PC when I really don't need it. I am comfortable using either a router or windows firewall (I know zonealarm is a LOT better then the windows one but it is all i need) and for years I have never had problems. Granted I do know what I am doing as most people don't know what to look for when they encounter a possible virus and what not. I also used to use Norton atv, that was way to resource intensive, I will never use it again.

 

[g-paw]

THe feature I like best in ZoneAlarm is that no program can connect to the Net and no E Mails can be sent without my OK. Of course when it comes to computer security I'm probably a certified paranoid.