When you have a new machine it is often times overloaded with Bloatware, before you install anything you will want to get rid of the useless trash that you will never use with automated program removal tools such as either of these.
D-Uninstaller
Decrapifier
Not Automated, but a very effective remover to have on hand. --
Geek Uninstaller.
http://www.decrap.org/
Then you will want to visit a site like
Nnite.com to grab your favorite software.
You are always gonna want to block ads on your machine, who wants ads??? We see enough on tv, you should not be forced to watch a commercial in your free time.
Ublock Origin
Ad Blocking DNSThis also stops ads in steam and skype, since it terminates ads before they can even think about loading at the DNS level.
You will want your USB ports protected with a program like.
Mcshield.
Also a light effective protection software.
Panda Free
360 Total Security
Secure APlus
There are more and this site will be more than happy to assist you finding the correct AV for your needs.
Stay up to date with windows and your software with these free effective tools.
Secpod Saner
Patch My Pc
Qualys Browser check
Keep Microsoft out of your Business with one of these.
Destroy Windows Spying
Spybot Anti Beacon
Take control over what items you wish to connect to the internet.
I have written a guide here for doing just that.
Tiny Wall.
You will want to keep your machine optimzed, so using
Ccleaner to remove temp files and disable startups is a good idea. Keep the clutter to a minimum by running the highly effective
Privazer once a week. And an
effective defrag program should be added to the list as well.
When you are downloading things always be weary of extra toolbars and bundled garbage this is a great source of malware and can have you spending time fixing your computer when all you want to do is look at those cat pictures and research your old town you used to live in.
There are a couple programs that can help you avoid the toolbars and shady sites all together.
Unchecky
Web of Trust.
Also, if you have children then that last thing you want to worry about them seeing the horror that is right at your finger tips...
Luckily there are also some free items to protect the little ones minds from being warped like a sheet of 1/4 plywood in a pond.
DNS Angel
Open Dns Family.
K-9 Web protection.
If you want to tweak your machine to run as you see fit....
Simple System Tweaker.
Easy Service Optimizer
Always
back up your important data at least once a week. Using one of the software mentioned, or invest in an external HDD or invest in a headache.
If you are a person who enjoys downloading things or the kids may sneak in on the computer after you had a long day of watching cats chasing plastic bags on youtube.
Bulletproof your machine for just such an occasion with one of this software.
Toolwhiz Time Freeze
