Must Have Applications For Windows 7

[screwdriver_clock]

Alright, so lets say you just installed Windows (2000,XP,Vista,7,Applesauce) and you ask yourself, "Self, what should I put on this computer to make it better?"
 
1. Microsoft Security Essentials:
This program is going to serve as your best free antivirus out on the market right now. They update it constantly with new virus definitions which severely reduces your chances of infection. It runs in real time but doesn't slow down your system too much, unlike alternatives like AVG which can slow your system to a crawl during scans. You can scan individual files if you like, and since it is made by Microsoft, it is very well integrated. First thing you should download by far.
 
2. CCleaner:
Every once in a while your computer will slow down after months of use and maintaining it can be tough. Thankfully this program makes it loads easier. The cleaner is able to remove all cache and temporary files, whether they be from an internet browser, your recycle bin or otherwise. Alongside that is a startup editor (which will allow you to enable or disable certain startup programs), registry editor/cleaner (which will remove unused or corrupt registry files to improve performance) and an uninstaller (for those tricky to remove applications). Once again, this is a free program though if you have the extra change (who am I kidding this is the ClockCrew) you should definitely donate. UPDATE: Having tested this application on various systems and noticing various "unpleasant results" I can't say I fully recommend this, or any registry cleaner for that matter. Use only if absolutely necessary.
 
3.OpenOffice:
In a perfect world, everyone would be able to afford Microsoft Office, but for most people it is prohibitively expensive. While there is work on a "free" version of Word and Excel, for the meantime OpenOffice is a great alternative. Produced by Sun, it is an office suite that matches the basics of Microsoft Office, and conveniently has the ability to save in Office formats for cross compatability. While I will recommend you purchase office if you can, this is always a great backup and for some people their Office suite of choice.
 
4. Dropbox:
By far, this is one of the most useful storage tools a Clock could ever have, whether they're on Windows, OS X or a Linux distro. When you sign up for an account, 2gb of free online cloud storage is given to you. By inviting others, you both get more storage space, in 250mb increments (for a max of 10gb free). You can backup your .fla and .jpeg's here, and when you get to another computer where you may need them, just log into Dropbox from their site, download the files and be on your way. When you install the program to your system, you just drag and drop the files you want to sync with Dropbox into it's special folder and you're good to go. I've seen people put applications like Firefox and Pidgin onto this, allowing for some cool portable apps. Also free webhosting. Don't think, just get it. UPDATE: You can get about 800mb more of free space linking Twitter or Facebook accounts to your Dropbox. SELL YOUR SOUL, MORE SPACE.
 
5. Firefox or Google Chrome:
The reason this one isn't so clear cut is because it really ends up being user preference. Chrome is a webkit based browser that is focusing on HTML5 standards (after all they own Youtube which is pushing for it too) and it has a reputation for being one of the quickest browsers on the market. Firefox however has a very robust extensions center and is heavily customizable. While Chrome is getting the ability to do many of the things Firefox does, I'd still recommend Firefox if you want a custom experience tailored to your needs.
 
 
SUDDENLY, NEW CHALLENGERS.
 
6. Internet Explorer 9:
God damn I never thought I'd see the day I'd ever see the words "Recommended" and "Internet Explorer 9" together, and it not be some sort of sick joke. IE9 is currently the FASTEST browser of any of the ones out on the market. Building on that, they  have been sticking close to HTML5 standards, and improving on graphics rendering by opening the Direct Draw API's up to let them be taken advantage of. You can now pin programs to the taskbar sort of like Chrome, except you can get extended funcitonality through jumplists as well. Seriously even if it's in beta, I couldn't recommend this one enough.
 
7. Metro Twit:
I know there are a few Twitter users out there (self included) who have tried a variety of Twitter applications. Whether they be browser plugins, Windows Gadgets or just some crazy convulted shit like USING THE WEBSITE, nothing really "pops out" as awesome, especially when put up against the social applications on OS X (lol) or even Linux (LOL LINUX, SOCIAL). Thankfully a few developers have created what I think is the MOST GORGEOUS Twitter Client ever.

Just lookit that. Mmm. Taking cues from Microsofts growing trend to the Metro UI, it runs just as well as a native app, and this said with it being in beta. I love it, you'll probably love it and at least you have a Twitter client that isn't built into that HORRID Windows Live 2011 (no handwriting? PISS OFF.
 
I will be posting more as I think of them, so enjoy