Must Have Software/Drivers

[c_hernandez32]

I'm sick of running into problems and having my PC slow to a crawl, so I have decided to reformat, but I don't want to be on the internet and then run into site that requires a special plugin or a file that requires a special viewer, so I wanted to know if there is a site that has all the internet plugins needed? And if any one has a few suggestions on must have software.

[Supreme2k]

Most of the plug-ins for web sites take about a minute to download (flash, shockwave, etc.)

For video, you can get a codec pack along with Real and Quicktime alternative.

[thecoalman]

Most of the plug-ins for web sites take about a minute to download (flash, shockwave, etc.)

and besides that flash,acrobat, sun java, ms media player and quicktime are probably about the only ones you really need. If your installing a lot of plug ins from sites that's probably the problem to begin with.

[normcar]

I would suggest you not load anything you don't need. More software = more potential problems.

Use Antivirus software and Adaware to keep your machine clean of unwanted problems.

[pfh]

For real, what sites you visiting? Sounds like you might be "fooled" into downloading crap that's not nesc. - as in spyware. I've learned to say "no thanks" when I get bombarded with -"you must install our software" messages.
Thecoalman lists the only ones I use.

[c_hernandez32]

I know about installing bogus plug ins. They only ones I've had to use is flash, shockwave, and quicktime. Its not that I visit website that need them on a daily basis, but I hate to be surfing the web and then have to stop for 2-5 minutes for download, install, and reboot. I run Adaware all the time, but I can't shake some of them. There was a time when something installed itself and I could not remove it, neither could Adaware even in safemode.

I still have the problem when I visit eBay. I get a no page found window, but the link is changed to qskr.com or something similar. Also, if I am reading a page, it appears like a pop-up has come up because Windows changes tasks/windows to an invisible window.

[Soopafresh]

Install the Flash Plugin, Download and Install Quicktime Alternative and Real Alternative. That should cover 80-90% of all streaming media on the internet.

[normcar]

Try another Adaware type program, and add Microsofts Antispyware program. For specific problems try Google. You will probably find a fix to your problem.

[c_hernandez32]

Why the alternatives and not the original?

I also need a good backup program. All I have is Nero, but it looks like the system has to be running ok to use the backup to restore. What programs will create standalone restore CDs/DVDs that will allow me to start from them?

[pfh]

For one, Real Player junk has a known history of installing "tracking" type spyware without notice to the user.

[guns1inger]

Don't bother with M$ Antispyware program if you use Firefox (or any Non-IE browser). Most of it's hooks and functions are for protecting IE holes. I use SpywareBlaster and SpyBot S&D, with Sygate Personal Firewall Pro. Nothing gets in.

[normcar]

Don't worry gunslinger, I'm sure as soon as there is enough users the spyware will hit Firefox.

Also, sometimes certain websites will ask you to accept "something you want" and then install spyware, do not accept anything unless you know what it is. Also, some programs including major programs will install unwanted spyware or unwanted junk like the f*&^%$ Google toolbar.

[thecoalman]

unwanted junk like the f*&^%$ Google toolbar.

Such as? Care to explain? That's bait BTW. :P

[thecoalman]

unwanted junk like the f*&^%$ Google toolbar.

Such as? Care to explain? That's bait BTW. :P

Guess I will then ..... First and foremost the Google toolbar is a single installation, it has a very small footprint, it is not spyware and it does not install anything but itself. The spyware tag that has been attached to it by the uninformed is unfounded. It will send information to Google such as the website you are visiting..... but that is the only way it can retrieve the PR ranking for the site your visiting. When you are installing the toolbar the installation informs you of this and asks you if you want this feature enabled.

Th unwanted junk I assume you are refferring too would be things such as the Pop-up blocker, that was one of the first free ones available, works quite well I might add. Or other things such as image search etc. These are all options or features of the toolbar, they are easily configuarable in the options menu where they can be enabled or disabled.

[normcar]

I beg to differ with you about Google being spyware. I never loaded it from the Google site. It loaded with one of my programs, and it never asked whether I wanted it or not. Spyware is also crap like Google, which is trying to get you to come to its site. I do not want the Google crap on my PC, because I can go there if I want. Nothing should automatically load on my PC without my permission, and this Google crap loaded without any prior warning.

[thecoalman]

Nothing should automatically load on my PC without my permission, and this Google crap loaded without any prior warning.

I'll agreee 100% with your statement but I've never heard of it installing from another app, which application installed it?

[normcar]

Don't know, it appeared after I had to reinstall my OS and all the apps when I upgraded to a new MB. Google used to install itself in a Google program directory so it was easy to uninstall, but know I cann't find it. I will have to Google to find a way to delete Google.

[thecoalman]

I will have to Google to find a way to delete Google.

Should be unistallable from the add/remove directory. You have my curiosity up I can't find a single reference to the Google toolbar being installed via another application anywhere though. Matter of fact the only references I can find about it as far as spyware or any other malware reference is it's ability to block pop-ups.