Hi all,

I just formatted my PC today and I need some (freeware) ISO mounting software. I used to use Daemon Tools, but IIRC I saw a thread here on GOG in which it was explained that they were acquired by some scum and the product now comes with a bunch of malware.

Also, it would be appreciated if you could recommend other mandatory software to be installed after a format.

Thanks.

edit: also, could use some tips with choice of antivirus. Been using Bitdefender for quite a few years now and am a happy customer, but would not be entirely opposed to the idea of switching if a new revelation has since come along.

Mounting software: SlySoft Virtual CloneDrive, free and easy to use
Antivirus: Avast 2013, best free antivirus software out there

WinCDEmu

I also recommend Avast.

I still use Daemon Tools. It's been wanting to install crap by default for several years, but as long as you're careful about not installing any extras, you're fine.

As for antivirus, I've been gravitating towards the free edition of Avast!, though MS Security Essentials doesn't seem all too bad either.

7-Zip is another "mandatory install" for me.

I don't know about ISO software, but I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials for both my rigs for a while now. I used to use AVG way back when, then switched to Avast. Then a couple years ago I switched to MSE. I've had no issues or problems at all.

Yes, it does. It crashed and burned in every single antivirus software test I have seen recently.

Quoth wikipedia: "In AV-TEST's 2011 annual review, Microsoft Security Essentials came last in protection, seventh in repair and fifth in usability. In the 2012 review, it came last in protection and best in usability; however, having lost its certificate, it was not qualified for the usability award. In June 2013, MSE achieved the lowest possible protection score, zero."

Avoid that pile of crap at all costs.

I second Daemon Tools (Lite). Just be wary for any checkboxes wanting to install toolbars or some other crap; it's been a long time since I've had to reinstall, but other people have mentioned Daemon wanting to do that crap. The software itself is very nice for image mounting and whatnot.

For antivirus, I just use Spybot Search & Destroy as well as Windows' own stuff, Defender or Security Essentials, whichever.

Alcohol 52% for life!

but you need to be careful to uncheck all the shit during installation. Every software today has that crap. It's many times more safe to download software from warez sites, really. After they revealed Daemon tools were sending data about your image files to their servers without anyone's consent, I would never install any shit ever again from them.

Avast!

Mandatory software after a format:

Lately, I've been using SlimDrivers to get all the driver updates: https://www.slimwareutilities.com/slimdrivers.php

Done a good job the last three times I started from scratch, and it was also able to find a few newer drivers on my laptop. No problems with it, and it asks if you'd like a registry backup before making any changes.

Other than that, gOg downloader. ; )

Just get an old version. http://www.oldversion.com/ it's safe and legal.

This has been great for me for ages now.

Ninite.com is an awesome place for people who just formatted or built a new PC, but they don't have CD mounting software to my knowledge (I thought they did when I made this post, then I realized I forgot about it). Use either Virtual Clone Drive or WinCDEmu, either is fine.

But if you're interested in Ninite, all you have to do is select what software you want and download a custom installer. That installer will simultaneously download and install your selected software, all with up-to-date versions and no questions asked. Everything will be installed and you can just run the software afterward. To average computer users my recommendations are:

- Chrome and/or Firefox (of course)
- 7-zip
- K-Lite Codecs
- CCCP
- All the runtimes they have
- IrfanView
- Any PDF reading software (I use Sumatra)
- If you don't have Microsoft Office, either OpenOffice or LibreOffice (the Office Ninite has is only a trial)
- ImgBurn
- Auslogics
- WinDirStat

Then beyond that it boils down to personal preference. As for anti-virus software, the best anti-virus out there is common sense. I just use Essentials and I'm satisfied. Just make sure you only use one anti-virus at a time; more AVs does not mean enhanced security, and they do not play well with each other.

Why, because it's telling you that everything is fine? With a protection score of zero, that's all it will ever tell you. That piece of software is Baghdad Bob assuring you that the American infidels are nowhere near the capital while American tanks are patrolling the streets in the background...

7-Zip,
Avast,
Ashampoo Burning Studio,
CCleaner,
LibreOffice,
PDF X-change viewer,
VLC,

Those are the programs I usually reinstall every time, I have to reset my system.