Tools to customize your new Windows computer

If you’re like me, you dislike the free software preloaded on new Windows computers. Here are a few tools to help you set up that new Windows computer so you can actually use it safely:

Tweakhound created a thorough guide to securing Windows XP. Double check these security tweaks with Gina Trapani’s guide to fixing mom and dad’s computer.
After you reformat your hard drive and reinstall Windows or after you remove all of the bloatware, you’ll want some decent software to use. The Simple Dollar offers a tried and true roundup of useful windows software: 30 Essential Pieces of Free Software [A Tech Life Blogged] Add some spicy fonts to that new computer too: Try Search Free Fonts

Not satisfied? (and who is?) Check out Beta News for updated software and Shell Extension City for more tweaking tools than you can shake a stick at. Of course, you also scan all downloads for spyware and viruses before unpacking them.

Microsoft provides software to make an install setup disk (floppy) for XP Pro or XP Home [Fix My XP]

Figure out what’s running on your computer

take ” .. an inside look into your Windows 2000/XP/2003 system. Explore processes, services, modules, IP-connections, drivers and much more through a simple to use application. Find out important information such as what modules are involved in a specific process.” [via del.icio.us link] (SiteAdvisor’s rating.)

Maybe you’d rather build your own PC Good advice on price comparison for parts. [Tek News]

Finally, if you’re buying a computer for the geek(s) in your family, please buy an Apple! (but not a cheap one! 2K and up). [Win XP Central: Digital Dave’s rules for buying geek gifts] Your family geek will gladly Launch Windows Apps From the OSX Dock.

Are you planning on buying a new computer for Christmas? Have a tip to help others customize a computer quickly? Please share here.