Well, computer setup help

[CDink]

Ok, i've never had a brand new computer before...so I'm lost with all these programs! I need to know what definitaly I need...I have yet to buy the new office. but do i really need it? Are there free options?


also there are a lot of media players and random hp stuff...is any of this useful? I need to know what I should have and shouldnt.

also any programs i need antivirus or not...free wise..i just need some tips.

[slowslow325]

A free option for Microsoft office is Open Office.

Just search in google "Open Office" and you'll find it.

[Hobie-wan]

CCCP for media player and codecs
http://www.cccp-project.net/

Probably AVG for free AV.
http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

[CDink]

any options for free movie editing? I can't use windows movie becuase...well this is windows 7...and my camera outputs in mpeg4 which is unreadable with windows movie

[jeffro11]

Download the Codec pack Hobie linked and you'll be able to view any movie file in Window Media Player. Don't chalk it up to "Oh it's because it's Windows 7". It's because you lack the necessary codec's. I myself use the Klite Codec pack, but the one Hobie linked should work fine.

For your Virus software, use either Avast! or AVG.

[Hobie-wan]

I myself use the Klite Codec pack, but the one Hobie linked should work fine.

I've used Klite before too. Probably an equally good choice either way.

[t0yrobo]

This is a pretty solid set of programs http://lifehacker.com/5548767/lifehacke ... -downloads. You really don't need all of them so give it a read through before installing everything.
You can get office, but chances are you really don't need it. Google docs, ms office live, and open office can do pretty much everything commonly needed..

[brendanraymond]

i would get utorrent, then you can get any word processing program from piratebay

[avrame]

I would advise against office via torrent, or popular apps like photoshop, alot of them carry trojans and crap. I'd say stick to the freeware above, and try to be content with it. A mixture of open office, and google docs/MS online office will do wonders.

As for movie editting, try the live essentials pack at download.live.com. despite being freeware, windows movie maker is a pretty decent movie app.

[brendanraymond]

i guess I was lucky... I got office 2003... in 2003