I have found that in the course of fixing friends computers, updating their software, and introducing them to new programs, I usually use specific programs for certain functions. As a result of that I went and created a list of Memory Key Essentials – below I will list all of the essential programs that I carry in my memory key at all times. Right now I’m using two 256MB memory keys, but I’ll only list the essential programs that will take up only one 64MB memory key (all programs listed are FREE). As a convenience I have added an self extract file that you can easily copy over to your memory key so that you don’t have to go hunting for each program individually. The self-extract archive is about 56MB. If you have any comments/suggestions please let me know.
Steps to use self-extract file
1. Download and install selft-extract file. [The file was scanned for spyware/adware/viruses prior to uploading to server, and it is clean]
2. Double click on it, and follow the instructions, select your Memory key from the browse menu.
3. Click install, give the operation several minutes as it extract an copies all the programs listed below to your memory key.
Essential Programs for Your Memory Key
1. Grisoft AVG Antivirus – Download (16.9MB)
I’ve been using AVG Antivirus for about a year on several computers at home. The software is pretty straight forward and has kept my computers virus free for as long as I have used it. The program is FREE and is not a memory hog like other antivirus programs. For all of you linux users – they do have a linux version available.
"AVG Anti-Virus Free is a free anti-virus protection tool developed by GRISOFT for home use. We invite you to join the millions of satisfied customers worldwide who have downloaded the software and now enjoy the benefits of AVG Anti-Virus Free."
2. Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall – Download ( 7.43MB)
[Note: The free and paid versions of Sunbelt Kerio are the same. If you don’t buy the product some advanced features are automatically turned off after 30 days.]
I have only used Kerio Firewall for about a month, but so far find it to be more useful than Zone Alarm (I used Zone Alarm free for a couple of months). It gives you more advanced options in the free version than does Zone Alarm and was given Very Good rating by PC Magazine.
"Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the Windows XP firewall. Unlike SKPF4, ZoneAlarm, Tiny, and other leading firewall software, the XP firewall only offers inbound firewall traffic monitoring. That means your credit card numbers, passwords, account information and more could be sent from your PC to a hacker, without the XP firewall even detecting the breach. SKPF4 offers the two-way, foolproof security you expect from a leading firewall for half the cost of the competition."
3. Microsoft PowerToys TweakUI – Download (147KB)
[Note:We [Microsoft] take great care to ensure that PowerToys work as they should, but they are not part of Windows and are not supported by Microsoft. For this reason, Microsoft Technical Support is unable to answer questions about PowerToys. PowerToys are for Windows XP only.]
IMPORTANT: If you installed PowerToys prior to April 23, 2002, you must uninstall your old PowerToys before installing the versions available here. PowerToys only work with U.S. English regional settings.
This is one of my absolute favorite PowerToys available. It has many options that allow you to customize XP without having to venture into the registry. One of my favorite tweaks is the remove shortcut arrow tweak.
"This PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more. Version 2.10 requires Windows XP Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003."
4. Google Earth – Download (13MB for Beta 4)
A must for anyone with an internet connection and a love for the world around you – also useful to plan your routes and keep tabs of where you’ve been.
"Google Earth puts a planet’s worth of imagery and other geographic information right on your desktop. View exotic locales like Maui and Paris as well as points of interest such as local restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more."
5. Mozilla Firefox – Download (4.88MB)
Firefox undoubtedly has become the browser of choice for many, although not perfect it is currently the hottest browser out there, it supports a lot of the new standards, it’s patched quickly, and has a host of add-ons that make it a must.
"The award-winning, free Web browser is better than ever. Browse the Web with confidence – Firefox protects you from viruses, spyware and pop-ups. Enjoy improvements to performance, ease of use and privacy. It’s easy to import your favorites and settings and get started. Download Firefox now and get the most out of the Web."
6. DVDFab Express – Download (2.47MB)
An essential piece of software for anyone who wants to backup their DVD’s that are copy protected.
"DVDFab Express is an easy to use software for copying a DVD movie. Just insert the movie and a blank DVD then press Start. Your entire movie – including menus, trailers and special features – is copied to a single DVD with just one click."
7. Picassa – Download (4.56MB)
An absolute must if you have digital pictures. This software will help you maintain your photographs in order, search your pictures, create collages, and much more.
"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."
8. Google Desktop – Download (2.03 MB)
This is by far one of the most important/useful tools you can install on a ny computer. It has excellent search capabilities, the ability to expand it’s usability using plug-ins, and a wealth of information that can be made available on your desktop.
"Google Desktop gives you easy access to information on your computer and from the web. It’s a desktop search application that provides full text search over your email, files, music, photos, chats, Gmail, web pages that you’ve viewed, and more. By making your computer searchable, Google Desktop puts your information easily within your reach and frees you from having to manually organize your files, emails and bookmarks. It makes searching your computer as easy as searching the web with Google."
9. Windows Defender – Download (5.5 MB)
[Note: You must have a valid Windows installation in order to download/install this software.]
I’ve been using this software since it was was Microsoft Antispyware and have seen how Microsoft has improved it over time. Although still Beta the software is pretty stable and really good at keeping your PC spyware free.
"Windows Defender (Beta 2) is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it’s detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive."
10. Microsoft Bootvis – Download ( 967KB)
When used Bootvis will reduce the amount of time your computer requires to start up. I wrote a short how-to which demonstrates how to use this piece of software and how it can be used effectively.
"Customer research shows a frequently requested feature that users want from their PCs is fast system startup, whether from cold boot or when resuming from standby or hibernation. The Windows development team at Microsoft has taken bold steps in making fast startup PCs a reality with the Microsoft® Windows XP ® operating system.
The design goals for Windows XP on a typical consumer PC are:
– Boot to a useable state in a total of 30 seconds
– Resume from Hibernate (S4) in a total of 20 seconds
– Resume from Standby (S3) in a total of 5 seconds
Boot and resume times are measured from the time the power switch is pressed to being able to start a program from a desktop shortcut."
Note: All source information can be found using the publishers website.
