During the introduction of Windows 7 some of my

So being the only IT guy in my circle of friends, I always get a call and inquiries on how to upgrade their computer from one operating system to another. Downgrade also happens depending on their requirements. Everytime they call me for help I would always have a list of suggested application and tool to help them and me deal with it.

My highly suggested application and tools for your own use.

1. Avast! Antivirus. It's the world's most popular antivirus software which has 160M registration.

After failing from paid and other free antivirus, this one becomes my trusted main protection.

Avast! Main features:

a. Virus detection and protection. Avast is know for having the highest virus detection and protection.

Avast being the first followed by McAfee, Trend Micro, AVG, Symantec, Microsoft. Among the list Avast, AVG and Microsoft offer free version of antivirus.

b. Boot-time Scan. I only see this feature to Avast. Boot-time is when all application is not running other than the BIOS. This is the best time to detect and delete viruses.

c. Real-time shields. In Avast I first see this feature running, for me this very helpful as I most of my time spend my days on internet. User will be notified by a pop up message when unusual process tried to run. This feature is monitoring file, mail, web, p2p, IM, network, script and behavior of an application.

c. Auto sanbox. Allow Avast! to automatically run any suspicious program inside the avast! sanbox at the moment the program is executed. This ensures that no damage can be done to the operating system or your files. If I am not mistaken this is new in program version 6.xx

2. Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free sweeps away malware infections but does not include Realtime Proactive Protection.

Think of it like a malware-destroying broom - you can use it to clean your computer, but your computer won't clean itself (just like Mom used to say).

Some malware are good enough to sneak around with being detected by antivirus, so antimalware - Malwarebytes would get into action.

The best feature of Malwarebytes is its detection and deletion process. Its so powerful that most of if not all malwares disable it first before the can get through.

3. Ccleaner. The number-one tool for cleaning your Windows PC. It protects your privacy online and makes your computer faster and more secure.

Most if not applications uses temporary files to work their magic and are saved in the temporary folders which overtime may grow to Gigabytes of files. Temporary files are also one way of viruses and malwares to get into our system.

4. Driver Updates. Manufacturer's support site is the best place to get updated driver, however you have to do it manually. If you're like me you would be using a driver tool to do all the checking, searching, downloading and installation of updated drivers. As I am using Dell here is

Dell Driver tool.

I would also suggest using this tool to be installed and used before any operating system installation or upgrade to back current driver files for reference. This may also be used to restore drivers files.

5. RAWCopy. Back up is a must! And for me the best back up is the RAW files, unedited and ready to be used if needed. If you consider to get a backup, this tool is for you. DriveImage XML is also an alternative to RAWCopy.

6. Belarc Advisor. Having the correct and exact information of your installed devices is very important in troubleshooting but what if you really forgotten it? This will help you profile your hardware for your troubleshooting need.

7. Windows Update is also another default windows application I consider a must have.

Hope this helps and enjoy using it!