Good basic windows XP laptop loadout?

Question

At the moment I am setting up an old windows laptop to give to my mother (to replace an ancient desktop). It's been a few years since I seriously used windows, so I am not very knowledgeable about the current best practices. I have installed Avira anti-virus as it is what I use on Windows virtual machines, but suggestions for good free AV would also be welcome.

1. What software would be considered indispensable on a Windows XP machine?

2. Any recommendations for useful apps that might help a beginner get more out of the machine?

3. Any settings that I should change before handing the machine over?

Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

Have you asked her what she actually wants to do with it?

Personally I'd be inclined to remove stuff more than add it.

I'd consider:

• A modern browser, configured to block popups
• Office tools if she wants them
• Some games (solitaire etc) if she wants them
• Anti-virus, as you've mentioned

I'd say the way to help a beginner get more out of the machine would be not to overwhelm them. Talking to your mother will probably get you more useful information than talking to us :)

Whether you want to go into "here's an admin account to use when you have to, here's a non-admin account to use for the rest of the time" will depend on whether you think she will be able to take it all in.

Answer 2

1. Microsoft Office, anti-virus software, spyware/malware/adware removal tools

2. Outlook completely installed and configured

3. Make a user account that is not an administrator for her to use.