I finally got around to acquiring and setting up a new Windows desktop computer. As is my habit, I copied over all my data, and set about the tedious process of reinstalling all of the sundry programs I use for my non-Web-based tasks.
I’ve been using many of these Windows apps for three or more years. It occurred to me that there might be far better alternatives out there which I haven’t encountered. I thought I’d tell you what I’m currently using, and see if you could suggest any improvements.
This isn’t necessarily a comprehensive list of what I use–so much of my work is now done inside Firefox. I also don’t plan on switching from Microsoft Office. I’ve tried several alternatives, and my pride in using open source solutions was exceeded by my frustration at their bugginess.
| Usage | Currently Using | Notes |
| Spam Blocking | At the moment, nothing | I was using Qurb, but have always been underwhelmed. No, I don’t want to switch to Thunderbird. |
| Image Viewing | Irfanview | It’s got to be lightweight and unfussy. |
| Bittorrent | BitComet | |
| FTP | FileZilla | |
| HTML Coding | HomeSite | |
| Antivirus | Norton Antivirus | I’ve got a subscription to this for a year, but I’ve always wondered–is AVG’s free version good enough? |
| Music | iTunes | That’s for listening, not purchasing. When I buy music online, it’s usually from AllofMP3. Spashiba! |
| Desktop Search | Google Desktop | How much does this app kick ass? I know, it’s just like Apple’s fancy search, but it’s become essential to how I use Windows. |
| Offline Dictionary | Microsoft Encarta | The dictionary tools are a writer’s best friend. |
| CD/DVD Emulator | Daemon Tools | Oh, uh, never mind… |
Bring on the suggestions–particularly on the spam blocking.
DarrenBarefoot.com 
My spam solution is SpamBayes. On top of the fact that it works great with Microsoft Office, it’s also open source.
MS
I use AVG and it seems to be ok, but I also use ZoneAlarm. I did once purchase Norton Anti-Virus, but got screwed when I reinstalled the machine and could not get the license moved to the new machine. After a 90 day eval of Norton ran out during which several email conversations went silent on their support side I wrote the money off as a bad investment and switched to AVG.
For antivirus, I used AVG before I ditched Windows completely. Never got a virus, but your mileage may vary.
Since you’re running Norton, be sure to get the latest security patch – there was a massive security flaw found in it a few days ago. (Disclaimer – I work for a rival AV company)
I have been using AVG’s free version for years and have never had a problem. I would highly recommend it. For torrents I use Azureus. I don’t know if there is really any reason to switch from BitComet because I’ve never used it.
IrfraView is great for simple editing of pictures but sometimes I need to some batch renaming or converting. Photoshop is almost overkill for this stuff so I downloaded Faststone Imageviewer. Lots of great options – good recommendation from download.com.
Check out their PC Starter Kit. There’s a few app’s there that I’ve used and enjoyed.
For photo viewing, you may wish to give Picasa a whirl. It’s fast and lightweight, and has plenty o’ bells and whistles.
Definitely ditch the Norton, it’s a resource hog and many don’t like it for how it takes over your computer. I use the ZoneAlarm (paid) suite but if I were going to go the free route, AVG has a great reputation. I’ve installed it on several computers that I do tech support for (cash-starved friends and family mostly).
Adobe Photoshop Elements is a stupendous value and a great piece of software. I’ve also heard raves about the Mac version of The Print Shop (such as that it knows about every type of Avery label ever made), and the Windows version may be similar, if you tend to make any signs or banners or labels or CDs or such.
BIT TORRENT –> uTORRENT (www.utorrent.com)
ANTIVIRUS –> PC-CILLIN 2006 (www.trendmicro.com)
Better than NAV and a third of the price!!
Updates TWICE daily
I haven’t used bitcomet… but I am a big fan of utorrent (windows only). It is small, quick and full-featured.
On the anti-virus front I have also used the free version of AVG for a few years with no problems – although I am a bit of paranoid downloader so I may not be in a high-risk category to begin with.
I’ve been using AVG’s free version for years too. It works great, no problems.
Norton = resource hog. Actually, I don’t mind the antivirus software, but the rest of it sucks ass. My parents old computer had a system monitor on it. The thing that used up the most resources? The bloody system monitor. Good job, folks.
I like uTorrent as well.
Spam: I get a TON of spam. I’ve got over 8000 spam from the last 30 days alone. Not one standard product has managed to clear out my inbox even remotely reasonably… until Gmail. Love gmail. 🙂
Thanks to everybody for the comments and tips.
I use Azureus for p2p and AVG free for anti virus. i still use winxp firewall, but only cos i have probs with 3rd party stuff.