I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a minimalist. Anyway, I seem to be swamped recently with requests from friends, family and clients that require re-installs or clean installs of Windows XP. Ever since discovering nLite, I’ve taken to using a custom XP install disk containing security updates, additional drivers and less bloat. The amount of time it’s taken me to get this XP CD together is insignificant to the time it saves during and after installation: no more Windows Updates requiring multiple reboots, trips to OEM websites for driver downloads after manually transferring NIC drivers to the fresh PC… the list goes on. I’ve also found the resulting Windows operating system a bit lighter on its feet after trimming some of the fat from the edges. All in all, a Good Thing.

Despite all this work to make the installation process as quick and light as possible, there are a few applications I find myself installing time and time again on fresh systems. Most are freeware or open-source, and I’ve found each invaluable.

Productivity

• Web Browser: Firefox. Were you expecting someone else? I also make sure to install the Adblock Plus and filterset updater extensions.
• IM: Gaim supports just about every IM protocol you’ll need and does it well. No bloat, consistent GUI, and open-source to boot!
• PDF Viewer: Foxit Reader is blisteringly fast, tiny and completely free PDF reader with no installation necessary.
• PDF Creator: PDFCreator creates a PDF printer on your system. Whenever you need to archive a document, webpages, etc., it’s simple to save in an easily-accessible format.
• Search Tool: Google Desktop is incredibly useful. Disable the sidebar and toolbar, and simply use the CTRL-CTRL popup box for minimalist searching bliss.
• Office Suite: OpenOffice.org 2 provides all of the functionality most people need without shelling out hundreds of your hard-earned dinero. Of course, those of us that need to use Microsoft Office apps for work can grab a Home Use Edition on the sly instead.

Media

• CD/DVD Burning: burnatonce is a slick burning app that has a tiny footprint and absolutely no bloat. It does everything I need: create and burn ISOs, data and music CD/DVDs.
• Video Player: Media Player Classic is included with the Quicktime Alternative pack, which allows the viewing of .mov files, among others, without the bloat associated with the Apple version.

Security

• Antivirus: AntiVir is the best free software on the market. The interface is simple, and it provides all the necessities, such as auto-update and task scheduling. My only complaint is the marketing popup every so often after an update urging you to buy the full — for money — version. I’d also heartily recommend the Kaspersky Online Scanner, which doesn’t require any install and does an excellent on-demand job of scanning your computer.
• Firewall: for most users, XP’s built-in firewall is sufficient. Unfortunately, there is a huge disadvantage in its implementation in that it doesn’t allow for any outbound filtering. This capability may be added by Microsoft at a future date, but since they seem to be pushing the for-pay Windows Live OneCare, that may never happen. As far as free firewalls, there are two I suggest, depending on the user. My top pick is Kerio 2.1.5; while it’s ancient and no longer supported, but stable and the most popular free firewall to date. For an up-to-date, but somewhat more needy firewall package, grab ZoneAlarm.
• Malware: Spybot seems to do a great job of cleaning out spyware and the like. There are others, but I’ve always been satisfied with this free app. Safe browsing habits don’t hurt, either.
• Security Suite: Kaspersky is for those who don’t mind shelling out a few dollars for the best protection and nicest package that provides best-of-breed antivirus, firewall, malware and more without being a resource hog (cough: Symantec, McAfee?). I use it myself, and think it’s worth the few dollars they charge every year for license renewal.

System Utilities

• Archive Tool: 7zip is an open-source package that provides support for every type of archive you’ll need to extract or create. Particularly handy is the customizable right-click context menu.
• Backup: Acronis True Image also costs money, but the features and peace of mind it offers makes the price worth it. I’ve opined on the merit of regular backups before.
• Cleanup: CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) is a system optimization and privacy tool that quickly removes unused and temporary files from your system. The result is a faster OS and reclaimed storage space (as if we need it with the enormous drives everyone has nowadays).
• Remote Access: LogMeIn Free is incredible in the features that it offers for no cost. If someone’s computer can get online, you can access it to offer them remote assistance. No more dealing with firewalls, port-forwarding, NAT and the like. It also allows them to watch “over your shoulder,” giving them a sense of trust — and perhaps teaching them a thing or two along the way. I’ve mentioned this in the past as well.