Following a complete reinstall of Windows...what do I now need

[cadburysfingers]

I have just reinstalled windows XP Home Edition following several problems I just couldnt irradicate by the traditional means, so thought a fresh start was probably a good idea. What do you guys suggest my system (as signature) needs adding to it now. I will be installing AVG, and have just downloadedd Windows XP Service Pack 2, as well as several updates from the Microsoft site, and thats it. Should I be downloading anything else. I connect to the net via a router, and have been told that XPs' own firewall is more than adequate.

Cheers if you can help.

[jayb1234]

Must have: antivirus---Avast (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html) or AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5) are good and have free editions. Also should have: Adaware Se (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/), Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html), ewido (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/ewido-anti-spyware-free/lng/us/tpl/v5). Also usefull: Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster from here (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/products.html).

[cadburysfingers]

Must have: antivirus---Avast (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html) or AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5) are good and have free editions. Also should have: Adaware Se (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/), Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html), ewido (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/ewido-anti-spyware-free/lng/us/tpl/v5). Also usefull: Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster from here (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/products.html).

Cheers for that jayb. I do indeed have AVG Ad-Aware and Spybot search and destroy. My question was a bit vague, I was also meaning more along the lines of updates to Windows XP or other must have programs required for the succesful running of a pc, windows washer for example? Thanks ofr all your reccommendations.

[jayb1234]

Hit windows update, pick custom and go through the optional updates and get the ones that apply to your hardware and any that are for software features that you are using. Go to Dell, enter your service tag and check for updates there. Reinstall your security programs and other utilities from Cd, the installer package if you have it or by redownloading them, whichever is convenient for that application. Update those too. Same thing for games, IM, Photo, etc. programs. Once you have everything reinstalled and updated would be a good time to do a backup before you put your files back on the drive.

[cadburysfingers]

Hit windows update, pick custom and go through the optional updates and get the ones that apply to your hardware and any that are for software features that you are using. Go to Dell, enter your service tag and check for updates there. Reinstall your security programs and other utilities from Cd, the installer package if you have it or by redownloading them, whichever is convenient for that application. Update those too. Same thing for games, IM, Photo, etc. programs. Once you have everything reinstalled and updated would be a good time to do a backup before you put your files back on the drive.

Thanks again some good advice, I am on it as we speak. :)