Talk:Windows Computer setup guide

Something that I've found that works quite well (but only with 2000 and above, sans Home Edition) is to set up Software Restrictions Policy (http://www.lockergnome.com/it/2008/12/02/software-restriction-policies-in-xp/). I set things up so that users that are not admins cannot run any software that is not already installed. That way, even if the user downloads an infected file, and that file makes it past the antivirus software (not uncommon), they will not be able to run it. --crashsystems

About the Windows version...
In "First Steps" point 1 it says to give up on Windows 95, 98 and ME because they are no longer supported but proceeding with Windows 2000 is recommended. W2k is out of the support cycle as well and XP might in the category rather sooner than later as well. Since its support cycle is only extended because of Vistas poor mass adoption and the Netbook market for which Vista is too resource hungry. With the release of Windows7 Microsoft most likely will drop support for XP as soon as anyhow possible.

I would vote that at least the information about W2k is added/corrected in the main article. IMHO hardware that is not able to run at least XP should be replaced if Windows is needed/desired as production system. W2k should only be used if the person is knowledgeable enough about securing the system, in case it has to be Windows, e.g. if it needs an app that is Windows only. Otherwise I would recommend using the computer with Linux and a lightweight DE or as client.

Neo 09:56, 1 February 2009 (CET)


 * I'm interested that you guys find the article so interesting! I agree with your comments. I know W2k is out of support now but the reason I left it there was if someone with really limited means was given a machine with W98 or W2k I would recommend the later over former. I would recommend Linux over both but that doesn't go down well. Hopefully after enjoying all the good software here the migration to Linux will be smoother! That is what I did in my office - I Thunderbirded, Firfoxed and Openofficed them all. Six months later they were all on Linux with hardly a problem (just a "The Z: drive is now just Z").
 * I have found an interesting tool called XXX that works a little like a Linux repository for software and allows you to pre-select software then it goes away and installs it all! Very nice. Some things didn't work but promising.
 * I have pondered a YWAM linux distribution. SUSE are making a nice mix-your-own-distro tool. I am interested in that! PS make changes as you see it plus add new FLOSS software here - I find this page invaluable to have open when I HAVE to install Windows stuff. --Kev-The-Hasty 16:23, 1 February 2009 (CET)


 * Hi Kev, I didn't actual look for who wrote that article, haha. Anyways, I didn't just want to change something since I didn't know whether or not the author had some specific reason to write it that exact way. And I actually agree with you that it's better to use W2k rather than Win98. I'm full aware that there might be some hardware still exist that is not capabel of running XP nor is administered by the media department to be used as clients. Non the less W2k isn't supported anymore and I'm concerned about the safty of those users, well, there data I mean with that, and ultimately the Base data stored on there as well. Maybe if we add a warning about the support issue but mention that it is the best of all options for non XP, client or Linux use? Neo 23:47, 3 February 2009 (CET)

GIMPShop
Some weeks ago I installed GIMPShop. And I was really disappointed: the GIMP version was more than 2 years old. So I don't recommend using it! (That's why I removed it from the list. --Pitpat 07:40, 23 November 2009 (UTC)

Adobe

 * Adobe Acrobat http://www.adobe.com

I think Acrobat is pay-for-Software. Do you mean Acrobat Reader? That is mentioned before.

Btw, I also mentioned FoxitReader, as it can open almost all PDF-Files as Adobe Reader would, but it ten times faster an only 2 MB thick. --Pitpat 07:44, 23 November 2009 (UTC)

Useful Software
If you have software you install regularly in Windows machines then keep adding it to the list, especially if there are alternatives to other packages. I made this list for my own ease of use, so it is helpful to always have it updated! It has saved me hours of time! I wish there was a package manager for windows - wouldn't that be nice! Although KDE for windows is improving all the time and has a great software stack that comes with it! --Kev-The-Hasty 11:52, 23 November 2009 (UTC)