Recommended Software

Installations are generally in the order of the list.
Restart computer after each new software installation.
Updated Nov 28, 2017

 

Windows 7 (6.1) Service Pack 1 support ends January 14, 2020
Window 8.1 (6.3) support ends January 10, 2023
Windows 10 "Creators Update" (1709) Edition Media Creation tool creates your choose of installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)

 

Windows 7 Users
Free upgrade here, for a limited time !
Uninstall your Anti-Virus before you upgrade. Reinstall after upgrade.

 

Windows 8 Users
Upgrade to Windows 10 now !
Free upgrade here, for a limited time !
Uninstall Classic Shell before you upgrade.
Uninstall your Anti-Virus before you upgrade. Reinstall after upgrade.

 

Windows 10 Users
If you do not want/need a "Microsoft account" be sure to read Section 5 "To keep using a Local User Account" or disconnect from LAN and WiFi during first time run up.
On the "Get going fast" screen, do NOT "Use Express settings", select "Customize settings" and turn "Off" these settings... Customize settings Images
To get the best experience out of Windows and Internet Explorer view and set these general Control Panel Settings and IE Settings.
ShutUp10 lets you decide how Windows 10 should respect your privacy
How to use the Store and get Apps without switching your Local User Account to a Microsoft Account
How to get the "Quick Launch" toolbar and "Show Desktop" icon and other shortcuts back. (works for 7 and 10)

 

Tax Time ?
StudioTax 2016 income tax preparation and filing software. CRA Certified (free)

 

Internet Explorer
    IE11 for Windows 7/10
       Google Search click "Add to Internet Explorer" View Settings Image 1. In IE go to Tools | Manage add-ons | Search Providers View Settings Image 2
       Startpage (by IxQuick) search engine provides search results from over ten best search engines in full privacy. Search anonymously with Startpage Search Engine!

Windows 7 folder View
    How to Remove "Favorites" "Libraries" and "Homegroup" from Windows 7 Explorer's Navigation Pane. Or use the Windows 7 Navigation Pane Customizer.

Anti Virus:
Note: Activation Codes are not version (year) dependent. So buy a couple of 2016 3PC box/activation code for $X now, and use it on the downloaded 2017, 18, or 19 when your current license expires.
    Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2018, 3 Users / 1yr License. (Do Not use the disc, download the latest 2018 KAV "update"), only buy on sale for $20 at Best Buy, only buy on sale for $20 at Staples, and London Drugs or less (long weekends and Christmas)
    or Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 with Parental Controls, 3 Users / 1yr License. (Do Not use the disc, download the latest 2018 KIS "update"), only buy on sale for $30 at Best Buy, only buy on sale for $30 at Staples, London Drugs or less
    or Kaspersky Internet Security 2018 Multi-Device - 5 Users / 1yr License for PCs, Macs, or Android tablets and smartphones. (Do Not use the disc, download the latest 2018 Multi), only buy on sale for $50 at Best Buy
    Do Not use Microsoft Security Essentials 4 (XP, Vista and 7) or Window Defender (8/10). I have repaired too many infections with this light weight package installed.
       Tools:
          Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool can be installed to an infected machine (Safe Mode (F8) supported). (free)
          Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10 creates a Boot CD that can update and then scan and disinfect x86 and x64-compatible computers. (free)
          Stinger 12 a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove the today's top 40 viruses.  When downloading select "Open", not Save. (free)
       Web Tools:
          House Call a web based Anti Virus scanner that runs in your Web Browser to double check your system. (free)
          VirSCAN an on-line file scanner service, which checks uploaded files for malware, using many antivirus engines (free)
          AV-Comparatives is an Austrian Non-Profit-Organization, which is providing independent Anti-Virus software tests free to the public. See chart. Also see TopTen Reviews.

Anti Malware:
    Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 3 detects and removes malware and advanced threats. Before install View Install Tips.

Microsoft Edge:
    EdgeManage application is all about managing your Edge favorites. It is designed to address a lot of the missing features in the new Edge browser.

Internet Browser Support:
    Flash 25 Not recommended for 7. Built into 8/10
        Flash Test

E-mail:
        Client
            Thunderbird (US) is a great email client with tabbed email.
        Server Settings:
            IMAP Server Summary, clik here
        Add-Ons:
            gContactSync synchronizes contacts & groups between Thunderbird and Google Contacts.
        Servers:
            Google's free email server Gmail is independant of your Internet Service Provider. Once you've enabled IMAP in Gmail, you can configure your mail clients and mobile devices to synchronize with your Gmail. (free)
            Microsoft's free email server Outlook.com is independant of your Internet Service Provider.
            Telus (use IMAP)
            Shaw (use IMAP)
        Webmail:
            Gmail  mail.google.com
            Outlook  outlook.com
            Telus  webmail.telus.net
            Shaw  webmail.shaw.ca
        Email to Text:
            Telus Email a text message to any TELUS Mobility client by using this format: 10digitphonenumber@msg.telus.com (i.e. 4168730000@msg.telus.com). Type your text in the message body. Note: 160 characters max.
            Rogers Email a text message to any ROGERS client by using this format: 10digitphonenumber@pcs.rogers.com (i.e. 4168730000@pcs.rogers.com)
Type your text in the message body. Note: 160 characters max.

Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentations:
    LibreOffice 5 64bit is an alternative to MS Office or Works, compatible with Word / Excel / PowerPoint files. Before install View Install Tips. (free)
        PowerPoint Viewer 14 enables you to view full-featured presentations created in PowerPoint. Also install PowerPoint Viewer Service Pack 2 (free)

Backup:
    FreeFileSync 9 is an folder comparison and synchronization tool. Before install View Install Tips. (free)

Image Viewing / Editing:
    GNU Image Manipulation Program 2.8 (GIMP) photo retouching, image composition and image authoring (free).
    ACDSee 20  (pay)

Portable Data Format (PDF) Document Reader:
    Adobe Reader DC 2018 (free)

System Clean Up:
    CCleaner 5-Slim cleans junk files, clears history, cookies and more to keep your computer running smoothly. Before install View Install Tips. (free)

File Compression/Decompression:
    7-Zip 16 64bit enables you to open and extract 30 kinds of archives, including .zip and .rar. After install View Setup Tips. (free)

Password Manager:
    KeePass Password Safe 2 is an encrypted password manager. Before install View Install Tips.
    RoboForm 7 is an encrypted automated password manager and web form filler for a 1-click website login. (free - limited to 10 logins)
       Tools:
          How secure is my password

DVD / CD / Blu-ray Burning:
    CDBurnerXP 4.5 64bit enables you to burn CD / DVD / Blu-ray discs for files, audio and images. Click "More download options" and choose "Default installer (Without OpenCandy) 64 bit" (free)
    DVD / CD Drive Firmware Update:
       LiteOn
       LG select Divice Driver
       Pioneer
       Philips
       Toshiba
       or Firmware HQ
    Tools:
       DVD Identifier 5.2.0 interprets the pre-recorded information that is present on DVD media to accurately identify your disc's REAL manufacturer. (free)

Video Player / Codecs:
    VLC media player 2 plays most codecs with no codec packs needed: MPEG-2, DivX, H.264, MKV, WMV, MP3... Click the "down arrow" for download options and choose "Installer for 64bit version". Before install View Install Tips.(free)

Voice Over IP (VOIP) Client:
    Skype 7, before install View Install Tips. (free)

DVD Ripper / Backup:
    DVDFab HD Decrypter 9 decrypts and copies an entire DVD 9 or HD movie to your hard disk. (free)

CD Ripper:
    FreeRip Basic extracts audio tracks from CD to MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC and OGG Vorbis. (free)

File Sharing (Peer to Peer - P2P):
    FrostWire 5 is a Limewire (free/pay)

Bit Torrent (Peer to Peer - P2P) Client:
    Do Not torrent without a VPN (Virtual Private Network) !
    uTorrent 3 AKA: MicroTorrent, before install View Install Images then after install View Setup Image (free)

    Peer Block 1.2 is an IP blocker for Windows making it the safest and easiest way to protect your privacy on P2P (not enough) (free)
        Tutorials:
            A guide to Bit Torrents
            FAQs
        Torrent Search Engines:
            Kickass
            The Pirate Bay
            Mininova
        Movies:
            ReleaseLog
            SceneSource
        TV:
            showRSS
            EZTV
            showrss  by configuring an RSS-compatible client like uTorrent with the feed, all shows will downloaded automatically when they become available. More here.
        Tools:
            NFO Reader 2.10.0032.RC3  is an utility for viewing text files containing ASCII Art (free) More here.
            epguides.com contains episode lists for over 7100 TV shows.

Net News Transfer Protocol (News Groups):
    NNTP Servers with SSL:
       News Hosting in the US, includes VPN and free client software. ($99/yr)
       Tweaknews.eu in the Netherlands, for Block Subscriptions. Requires NewsLeacher for client software.
    NNTP Client software:
       NewsLeecher 7 Plus includes Super Search. ($3.99/mo)
    Tutorials:
       A Guide to News Groups
    Tools:
       NFO Reader 2.10.0032.RC3  is an utility for viewing text files containing ASCII Art (free)
       QuickPar2v0.9.1 is used to verify that a set of files have not been corrupted or to reconstruct damaged files. (free)
       QuickSFV 2.36
is a small and fast Simple File Verification program. (free)
    Search Engines:
       NZBgeek ($12/yr)
       NZBindex
       Binaries Search Engine searches the Usenet Newsgroups for all binary files.

Web Feeds (XML, RSS, Atom, OPML ):
    Feed Reader 3  (free)
        Pod casting
            Juice 2.2  (FAQs)  (free)
        Search Engines:
            Podcast Search Engine

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Client:
    FileZilla 3  (free)

System Control:
    WinPatrol 35 , before install View Install Tips. (free)

 

Fun

Google Earth
View geographical and astronomical imagery, 3D buildings, maps, and local business information.

Google SketchUp 8
A powerful yet easy-to-learn 3D software tool-set with an intelligent drawing system that streamlines and simplifies 3D design.

StudioTax 2016 Canada's free tax program and NETFILE certified. (free)

Flight Gear 3.0 is an open-source flight simulator. (free)

 

Android

Malwarebytes Anti-malware
Chrome internet browser.
ES File Explorer File Manager is a free, full-featured file, application manager and mulitimedia player.
WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. Wikipedia
Viber lets you send free messages as well as make free calls to other Viber users, on any device and network, in any country! Wikipedia
magicJack
RealCalc is a fully featured scientific calculator which looks and operates like the real thing.

 

Drivers

    Chipset:
        VIA
        Intel
           Tools: Intel Driver Update Utility detects which driver updates are relevant to your computer
        SIS
    CPU:
        AMD important for Dual Core and others
           Tools: CPU-Z 1.6 provides information about your CPU, Cache, Motherboard and Memory (free)
    Video:
        NVidia
        ATI
           Tools: GPU-Z 0.6 provides information about your installed video card(s) (free)
    Motherboard (NIC, audio, video):
        GigaByte

        Asus
        RealTek - NIC
        RealTek - Audio

 

Diagnostic Tools

Speakeasy - Speed Test (Seattle) or Shaw Speed Test or OOKLA speedtest
    Shaw - High Speed Lite - Up to 1 Mbps, 30 GB data/month - Typical Download Speed: - kbps (- KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: - kbps (- KB/sec transfer rate) - $--/month for 6 months, $39/month regular price, Yes it is available.
                High Speed 5 - 5 Mbps, 65 GB data/month - Typical Download Speed: - kbps (- KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: - kbps (- KB/sec transfer rate) - $35/month for 6 months, $53/month regular price.
                High Speed 15 - 15 Mbps, 250 GB data/month - Typical Download Speed: - kbps (- KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: - kbps (- KB/sec transfer rate) - $40/month for 6 months, $63/month regular price.
    Telus - High Speed Lite - Typical Download Speed: 1000 kbps ( ? KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 256 kbps ( ? KB/sec transfer rate) - $25/month for 6 months, $25/month
                TELUS Internet 6 - 3.0 to 6.0 Mbps, 100 GB data/month - Typical Download Speed: 2861 kbps (357.6 KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: 563 kbps (70.4 KB/sec transfer rate) - $30/month for 6 months, $55/month regular price when bundled with any other Telus service.
                TELUS Internet 15 - 3.0 to 15 Mbps, 150 GB data/month - Typical Download Speed: ? kbps ( ? KB/sec transfer rate) Upload Speed: ? kbps ( ? KB/sec transfer rate) - $30/month for 3 months, $58/month regular price when bundled with any other Telus service.
    Primus - Unlimited Internet 7 - $20/month for 3 months, $37/month regular price

Belarc Advisor 8.5 provides a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware.  (free)

ISO CD / DVD Burning Tool
    Active@ ISO Burner 3 is a simple-to-use dialog-style software to burn CD/DVD/Blue Ray ISO images (Memory Test and HD Test below) compatible with the ISO 9660 standard. Not required if you have Nero or CD Burner XP. (free)

Memory Test:
    Memtest86+ v5.01 is a stand alone memory test for x86 architecture computers. (Creates a Boot disk or CD) (free)

Hard Drive Test:  (free)
    Seagate, Maxtor and Quantum
        SeaTools for DOS 1.10 (text)  (Creates a Boot disk or Boot CD) Parallel ATA (PATA and IDE) and Serial ATA (SATA)
        SeaTools for Windows 1.2.0.1 USB, 1394, ATA (PATA/IDE), SATA and SCSI drives
    Western Digital
        DLG Diagnostics 5.04f  (Creates a Boot disk or Boot CD)
        DLG Diagnostics 2.8 (4.15) for old drives  (Requires a Boot disk)
    Hitachi / IBM
        Drive Fitness Test 4.16  (Creates a Boot disk or Boot CD)
    Samsung
        Hutil 2.10  (Creates a Boot disk or Boot CD)
    Fujitsu
        Diagnostic Tool 7.00  (Requires a DOS Boot disk)
    More
       

KillDisk Hard Drive Eraser is powerful and compact Boot CD that allows you to destroy all data on your hard drive. (free)

Partition Manager:
    Easeus Partition Master Home Edition 10 is a partition solution and disk management utility that can resize, move, merge, split, extend, convert your hard drive. (free)

Virtual Network Connection:
    TeamViewer 12 enables you to remote control any computer or Mac over the internet within seconds without any firewall problems. Click here for QS Download (free)
    UltraVNC 1.2 enables you to remote access and control an other PC remotely. (free)
    RealVNC 5 enables you to remote access and control an other PC remotely.