new laptop - what software to remove?

guy999

Hi
Just purchased new laptop Acer 5742, wondering what software to remove or download on it?
Too start has McAfee internet security suite which expires in 3 months, therefore wondering if to remove and add Avast,malawarebytes, then ccleaner
Also has lots of acer programs, what is best to remove
Cheers

spakkker

just done this with a £240 compaq from tesco - didn't install norton trial, then added what you mention.
Deleted some manf. progs but yet to google what is what.
I used ccleaner/tools/startup to disable a few progs from starting.

davb

If it were me, I would certainly remove a 3 month McAfee triial and install Avast.

Also, I thinks the Acer's may come with a utility to create a set of restore disks - while it's new is a really good time to do it

guy999

Thanks will remove Mcafee now.
Yes need to get some dvds to make restore disks

debitcardmayhem

guy999 wrote: »

Thanks will remove Mcafee now.
Yes need to get some dvds to make restore disks

Best to make a restore set (I assume its Win 7) of 1 rescue disk, and a full system backup, but after you have removed the bloatware and installed your choice of Antivirus and anything that is your choice of useful stuff.(again I assume that there is a restore partion just in case). Put your data on a different partion, then if the unthinkable happens, or the odd bit of "useful" software starts slowing you down, reload your new restore system as it was brand new.

Of course don't forget to regularly back-up your data and an occasional full system backup too.

spud17

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/features

bland_porn

I'm not sure about the Acer laptops but sometimes you get software that runs in the taskbar to enable hotkeys etc that are specific to that model. For example screen brightness/volume/wireless toggle.

So while you're probably OK to remove the main Acer bloat I'd be careful about removing everything with Acer on it.

You should Google each Acer component seperately and see what it does before deciding.

Owain_Moneysaver

Remove McAfee

The Acer stuff is fairly sensible IME (doesn't screw up the machine and actually integrates pretty well with the hardware)

Install a proper web browser (Opera or Firefox) and Thunderbird if you need an email client.

Install ad / popup blocker for your browser.

guy999

not sure about using pcdecrapifier though?
How downloaded fire fox, but do you have a link to a decent ad/popup blocker
Cheers

davb

If you are going to use Firefox, use the FF extensions - Adblock Plus, and possibly Noscript.

Coveredinbees!!!!

My acer came with a load of game demos don't forget to remove them, it also had MS office which expired so that got uninstalled too. It still has acer arcade deluxe on but I have never used it.

I would keep the power management stuff that works well.