The 14 Software to Install on Your New PC
Buying a new PC is always a wonderful thing, at least until you realize there's nothing in it and you still need to install all the programs you need to work or play. Doing so can be a bit exhausting as it is hard to remember everything that is needed on a day to day basis. To keep you from hunting for too many apps and programs for a long time, we've separated some of the most essential software to install on a brand new computer. Check it out below!
1. Internet browser
One of the most important aspects for computer users is the web browser, as we do almost everything through it today. When you install Windows, it is natural that Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge is already on your PC, but you probably already have a favorite browser.
Our biggest recommendations are Google Chrome or Firefox, which are usually very fast and have many customization options. Click here to download Chrome or this link to download Firefox.
2. Antivirus
Of course, you can't go around visiting websites or downloading files without any protection against viruses or malware. So make sure you search for and download the antivirus you find most appropriate for your computer.
Since it's hard to recommend just one for all types of people, you can check our list of the best current antivirus at this link.
3. Skype
Whether talking to your friends or even using at work, Skype remains one of the best voice or video communication tools. Since it is not too heavy and is still free, there is no reason to stop downloading it to your PC. You can download it directly through this link.
4. Winrar
Many of the files we download from the internet are compressed and an additional program is needed to extract them. There is a lot of software that specializes in this, but Winrar is certainly one of the best, as it is very light to use and completely free. You can download it through this link.
5. VLC
While streaming services are extremely popular today, we are sure you will want to download and watch videos or movies right on your PC. This requires some kind of video player, something that VLC does excellently.
It is fast, supports almost all media types and is still completely free to use. You can download it through this link.
6. Spotify
Speaking of streaming, you couldn't stop mentioning Spotify on our list. Although you can use it on your smartphone or even your web browser, we recommend that you also install the desktop version as it is very complete and light.
You can make playlists, choose the songs you want to hear even without a premium account, and still don't overload your browser. Click here to download.
7. Dropbox
Nowadays, it is more common to store your files in some cloud service, being Dropbox one of the most used and highest quality. You don't have to pay anything to make your account or have a few gigs to store whatever you want.
Best of all, downloading desktop software makes it much easier to sync your files than simply uploading from your browser. You can download the program through this link.
8. CCleaner
After some time of use, you may notice that your computer is a little slower than in the beginning. This is completely normal and is usually caused by the amount of programs and files stored on the PC.
It turns out that many of the files that the PC itself generates are unnecessary and only used for some specific reason at the time they were created. CCleaner is just for searching these temporary files and erasing them, making your computer a little more responsive. You can download it through this link.
9. Foxit Reader
Despite being one of the most widely used formats in the world, PDF is not a file that can be read by any standard Windows software. For this you can use Adobe's own Acrobat (PDF creator) or something like Foxit Reader if you want something a little lighter.
It is read-only, so you can't make edits to the files you open with the program. Still, it's quite worth it for most users. You can download it through this link.
10. Steam
If you like computer games, it is almost necessary to have Steam installed on your new PC. Through it, you can buy, organize and play your favorite games at any time, and you can share your account with close family or friends.
Best of all, it's completely free, and its official store offers incredible discounts all year long, so there's a great value for money. Download it through this link.
11. Media Player Classic
We already recommend VLC as a video player for your PC, but it's also worth mentioning the popular Media Player Classic. It is also capable of playing most media formats, which makes it and VLC complement each other in certain ways.
As a precaution, it's good to have both to make sure you never have to look for special codecs to watch some kind of video. Click here to download MPC.
12. f.lux
Even with the brightness level set to a minimum, many monitors still display very bright light, which can be especially annoying at night. In fact, too high a brightness can even give headaches after prolonged exposure.
Fortunately, this can easily be solved with f.lux. The program is used to add a night mode type to your PC, offering various filter and color options for your customization. You can download it through this link.
13. Trillian
Many people only use their smartphones to communicate through apps, but their computers may be more convenient for them in certain situations. If you have been using your PC for a longer time, there is nothing more annoying than having to keep picking up your phone all the time just to see or reply to messages.
To solve this, you can simply use Trillian, which is for connecting and using various chat apps or social networks, such as Twitter, Instagram, or Google Talk. You can download it from this link.
14. GIMP
Besides being very heavy and confusing, Photoshop can still be quite expensive. Fortunately, programs like GIMP are extremely complete, optimized and free. You can edit images quite easily and have access to advanced tools with it.
Also, you can use the software to draw if you have a special tablet for it. The app can be downloaded via this link.
Did you like the tips for your new PC?
Could you take our suggestions to make your new PC even better? Don't forget to leave your comment telling us what you think.
