Extra programs

[quartet-man]

I am not sure this is the place or not, but I got my computer back today and they added different programs that were not there before. They showed me of course, but I am curious how good some of these are and how people like them. There was one that they said if I change I will be unable to download Service Pack 3 (I think #1 here.)

1. Tuneup Utilities 2006

2. Si Meter


Now the other stuff I am familiar with use some on other computers. However, I have some questions in this case.

AVG Free 8.0 (I have a McAfree license to use. Is it okay to have both working together, or do they conflict? I suspect they might conflict, but want to find out.

Nero (I have generally used Easy Media Creator. Does it hurt to have both? I like Nero in certain instances, but I have works in progress and Jewel Case inserts and such saved under Easy Media Creator. There may also be things I need to do there (I haven't messed with Nero yet.)

Windows Defender (I know this is better than nothing as far as a firewall, but I really want to get my McAfee going I think. I am networked.

Power DVD (I can't recall if this was on my original computer or not. I don't know that I ever used it.)

Thanks

[glc]

There was one that they said if I change I will be unable to download Service Pack 3

BS. Neither of those 2 programs are necessary or even particularly useful.

They did you a favor by putting AVG on. Forget McAfee. Between AVG and the Windows firewall and a router, you are fine.

Nero and Roxio can coexist, but you can only install ONE packet writer (Sonic DLA or InCD or DirectCD).

Windows Defender is very useful in preventing the installation of some of the new malware. Keep it.

Power DVD is very useful if you ever want to watch a movie DVD on the computer.

[quartet-man]

As far as changing and not allowing me to put service pack 3 on, it was something to do with changing the appearance I think not in uninstalling I don't think. I will have to check. When I asked why that was, they said something like it changes one of the kernals or something. I will try to get confirmation on what in the world they were talking about and report back. Thanks

[quartet-man]

I use AVG at home. This is my work computer (church / non-profit.) Would I be better off to get the paid AVG?

[glc]

If you are concerned about violating the license agreement for AVG Free, I would say that 75% of the users here are using it in violation - you are not permitted to use it "on a network". If you feel that you should pay for an antivirus, I'd recommend NOD32.

[quartet-man]

You mentioned the packet writer, that is Drag to Disc on Roxio now right? My older version at home I think was called Direct CD. Or, would I just be able to uninstall Nero's and install all of Roxio? Which would you recommend? Thanks

[quartet-man]

It doesn't look like I have it INCD. I looked and all I see are Nero Express (V6), Nero backitup and Nero Cover Designer under applications and under the toolkit I see CD-DVD Speed, Drive Speed and Info Tool. I don't see any references in the Help manual either. I don't know where for sure in the program it would be.

[glc]

If InCD were installed, you would have a tray icon. Roxio Drag to Disc is the new name for Sonic DLA, I believe.

If push came to shove, I prefer Nero to Roxio, but Nero 7 and newer are needlessly bloated in my opinion. I use 6.6.

If you are running Nero Express 6, I'd uninstall all Roxio/Sonic stuff, and if you want (and ONLY if you want) a packet writer, I'd download InCD. The ONLY reason to use a packet writer is to format rewriteables for drag/drop and/or deal with UDF file systems.

[quartet-man]

Thanks. I used Direct CD on the Easy Cd Creator I had when Adaptec had it, but never really used it much. I suppose there might be some times it is useful, but at least the experience I had at the time was mixed.