Useful software for your new PC

We only install necessary drivers and some limited software to ensure that your hardware can function to its fullest, so your PC will arrive in a very fresh state, meaning you are going to have to install something before you get going no matter what you plan to do with your PC.

We have compiled a list of some commonly needed software below. All software is free to use at least on some level if not entirely unless otherwise stated.

Web browsers

Windows 10 & 11 both come with Microsoft Edge pre-installed, which to date is the least-worst web browser Microsoft has given us, but it is very likely that you would be more accustomed to one of the below options.

Google Chrome

Released in 2008, Chrome rightfully & quickly became the browser for tech-savvy people to recommend to anyone and everyone. The sentiment has recently changed due to some controversial privacy and advertising decisions from Google, leading many to other web browsers.

Brave Browser is built on Chromium (which runs Chrome) but with some out of the box changes for a more private browsing experience than Chrome itself offers - you might find this to be suitable for you.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox was the tech-savvy's browser of choice before Chrome came along, but is once again gaining market share due to questionable strategies from Google.

Plugins/Extensions

With any of the above browsers installed, you can add to the functionality or customise the looks to suit you better. Some extensions we feel are worth mentioning:

• uBlock Origin - Effective ad blocking
• SponsorBlock for YouTube - Skips in-video sponsor segments
• Enhancer for YouTube - Adds a lot of options for browsing and watching YouTube
• I don't care about cookies - Aims to be rid of annoying cookie warnings on websites

Communication

Mozilla Thunderbird

If you are searching for a free alternative to Outlook, Thunderbird is it. Be warned it is not an entirely like-for-like alternative, but it will likely do the job, and can be enhanced by add-ons just like Firefox.

When it comes to email, we feel that most people are perfectly happy with the web interfaces offered by the likes of Gmail, etc. However, if Thunderbird doesn't do the job for you and you need Outlook, you can purchase Microsoft Office Home & Business which offers Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook as a once-off purchase. Alternatively, you can look to Microsoft 365 subscription plans.

Discord

Discord was traditionally aimed at gaming audiences, but quickly becoming the place for all like-minded non-gaming/non-tech communities to create their own servers and chat away.

Files & Media

7-Zip

7-Zip: A file archiver (compressing and uncompressing of files) seen as an alternative to Window's default handling for .zip files, and can handle .rar files so rivals WinRAR too.

Battle.net

Blizzard's gaming client, allowing purchasing/updating of games and matchmaking. Titles such as Warcraft, Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch, Starcraft.

EA Games

EA Games, formerly known as Origin: EA Games also offers titles such as F1, Need for Speed, Star Wars, Battlefield, The Sims, FIFA.

Epic Games

The marketplace for games under the Epic Games umbrella such as Fortnite, Rocket League, Unreal Tournament, & Unreal Engine.

Rockstar Games

Marketplace & launcher for Rockstar Games titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, Midnight Club, L.A. Noire, & Max Payne.

Spotify

Spotify, almost needing no introduction, allows you to stream millions of songs.

Steam

Since 2005 Steam has served as a marketplace and way for PC games to sell and be distributed/updated online, as well as matchmaking and staying in touch with your gaming contacts. Gaming titles such as Counter-Strike, Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, Apex Legends, PUBG, Rust.

Ubisoft Store

Like Steam, but from Ubisoft and the games that fall under their umbrella such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Anno, Tom Clancy's collection, The Crew.

VLC

VLC is an open source media player that plays almost all media as well as DVDs, audio CDs, and streaming protocols. If you have a video file that needs playing; give VLC a try!

qBittorrent

qBittorrent is an open source alternative to µTorrent, without ads.

All the above-mentioned software/sites are not managed by Evatech, we take no responsibility or liability for the suitability or compatibility. We receive no kickback of any sort by mentioning the above solutions, nor do we by excluding others, just doing our sincere best to put the good word out there.