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    Fixing Computers for Beer!

    By Jamie | September 20, 2007

    416610_3644 

    Like most people involved with computer support, my first experience began when fixing PC’s for friends and family. Usually this resulted in payment with free beer, not bad when you where 17! Ten years later I still find myself fixing friends and family computers.

    So here is quick guide to what I would install on a personal PC, maybe one you’ve formatted and re-installed Windows because it was running very slow. I say personal PC because AVG Anti-Virus Free version can’t legally be used in business without paying for the commercial version.

    1. Partition and format the drive into two. One for the Windows System and the other for files and documents. That way you can wipe Windows without losing your files.
    2. Install Windows XP and configure
    3. Install hardware drivers
    4. Install service packs if required (SP2 for full wireless capabilities)
    5. Run Windows updates, twice only
    6. Install Microsoft Office if required, other wise install free Open Office
    7. Run Office updates and enable office and window updates to download together 
    8. Install Firefox, make sure you rename the shortcuts as “Internet” else they will hunt down IE and start using it again.
    9. Thunderbird for Email
    10. Install AVG Anti Virus and AVG Spyware - Free Versions 
    11. Enable Firewall and Windows Updates (Set as download and install at shutdown only)
    12. Install 7zip for zip files and other compressed files, an excellent free alternative to WinRar and WinZip
    13. Install CrossLoop for remote support
    14. Install Foxit, lightweight alternative to bloated Adobe PDF Reader
    15. Install VCL Player, multimedia player for various audio and video formats
    16. Install iTunes if they have a iPod
    17. Install CCleaner and clean up the installation files left from windows updates
    18. Run Defrag
    19. Maybe install some type of free Online Backup Service

    Family PC

    image

    If the computer is for Family use, make sure you read Improving Windows XP for Families  by Robin our Managing Director.

    What software do you install on your friends and family PC’s?

     

    Topics: Downloads, Open Source, Tech Overload, Windows |

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    • 5 Responses to “Fixing Computers for Beer!”

      MyAvatars 0.2

    1. Jamie
      September 20th, 2007 at 11:15 am

      10 Ways to Not Fix Others’ Computers, and Save Face

      2. MyAvatars 0.2

    2. European
      September 21st, 2007 at 8:57 am

      I am appauled to read that having been 17 years of age i.e. below 21 you were rewarded with beer. What an outrages disregard of American legal practices. O tempora o mores! Shame be upon you.

      3. MyAvatars 0.2

    3. Jamie
      September 21st, 2007 at 9:06 am

      Its terrible!

      Jamie from the 51st of America!

      4. MyAvatars 0.2

    4. CHESSNOID
      September 22nd, 2007 at 6:13 pm

      That was a good post. I never thought about the partition to save docs. I also use the freeware you mentioned. They are very good.

      5. MyAvatars 0.2

    5. rory
      February 15th, 2008 at 2:50 pm

      I generally install AdAware and SpybotS&D as well…
      And I tend to VNC rather than crossloop - personal preference.

    Comments