General Software Recommendations?

[CCap]

Hello Forums

 

For about a year and a half I've done a ton of research on hardware, and even helped people build their computers, yet I've always left OS and general software up to them as part of the deal. 

 

Now that it's coming time for me to build a PC for myself, I have no idea what I'm doing in general terms of software.

 

What's the best Anti-Virus? What Drivers do I need to install? Why does Linus always throw away the Driver disks if the first thing your supposed to do after OS installation is install all of your drivers? Is the last question wrong? Do you not need to install all the drivers? 

 

I have a lot of questions, and if you could run me through the general basis of setting up a PC that'd be awesome.

 

Note*** I'm not really that bad with software, but I want to make sure that my PC is running the best software and the newest drivers, but there are still some questions in the middle. 

 

Thanks to anybody that can help me. ^-^

 

//CCap

[Vitalius]

What's the best Anti-Virus? What Drivers do I need to install? Why does Linus always throw away the Driver disks if the first thing your supposed to do after OS installation is install all of your drivers? Is the last question wrong? Do you not need to install all the drivers? 

 

I have a lot of questions, and if you could run me through the general basis of setting up a PC that'd be awesome.

 

Note*** I'm not really that bad with software, but I want to make sure that my PC is running the best software and the newest drivers, but there are still some questions in the middle. 

 

Thanks to anybody that can help me. ^-^

 

//CCap

Avast. I've used it for 2.5 years and haven't got a virus (that I know of) in that time when I was downloading torrents, old game ROMs, and such. Things you'd usually get viruses from. Add some Malware Bytes and Spybot 2 Search and Destroy and you are covered. 

Drivers? Those are dependent on your hardware. So whatever hardware you have. Those drivers.

No. You need to install all your drivers. The thing is, the drivers on the disc are out dated. Any bugs they have are fixed with the updated versions, which are on the website of your hardware manufacturer. Get them from there. Google is your friend.

Build computer

Install OS

Install LAN driver from CD

Download latest drivers for all your hardware (motherboard and GPU is usually all you need). 

Install latest drivers. 

Download Antivirus/malware/spyware programs. Install those.

Download everything else you intend to use. Steam, Chrome, CCleaner, Foobar2000, Thunderbird, these are all programs I use, for example. Install those.

Then just use your system like normal.

[Chriz6097]

The only useful driver disk is the ethernet driver so you can go on the site and download the latest drivers instead of installing old ones and then updating it on restart... Drivers are required for your motherboard, GPU and some usb devices to even work at all. As for antivirus I've been using AVG which is free and works . Also use ninite when installing your basic aplications. it saves a ton of time and is fast/free.

[CCap]

The only useful driver disk is the ethernet driver so you can go on the site and download the latest drivers instead of installing old ones and then updating it on restart.

That makes a lot more sense as to why Linus always throws away the driver disks in unboxings, etc. 

[CCap]

Build computer

Install OS

Install LAN driver from CD

Download latest drivers for all your hardware (motherboard and GPU is usually all you need). 

Install latest drivers. 

Download Antivirus/malware/spyware programs. Install those.

Download everything else you intend to use. Steam, Chrome, CCleaner, Foobar2000, Thunderbird, these are all programs I use, for example. Install those.

Then just use your system like normal.

Printed it out and pinned it on the bulletin board :lol:

 

//CCap

[Scottonpc]

Avast is the best free anti virus and download ccleaner

[rashdanml]

The best antivirus is common sense, but always nice to have a backup: Avast, Microsoft Security Essentials (I find it more than adequate), Malwarebytes, etc. 

Ninite is a good option if you want to automate installing common programs.