bought my first computer in 4 years. What useful programs would you recommend?

[eXch]

HexChat - free version of legendary IRC client Xchat. IRC is fun.
Jabber Psi client for encrypted instant messaging
I could recommend Cygwin as well, here you can learn and research the linux world while using Windows.

[kuroman]

I think that IRC should be removed once and for all.... I mean seriously this is not 97 anymore ....

[eXch]

... and IRC is still the place where most of Bitcoin developers are standing by and communicating between each other

[CoinDiver]

ImgBurn
Virtual CloneDrive
uTorrent
Chrome
Sketchup
Tor Browser Bundle

[apsvinet]

Just be careful and don't download any software claiming they'll make your computer faster / cleaner etc ( exception CCleaner ).
You could also look to download Driver Booster to get all the latest drivers. It beats all other driver programs because it's free, and doesn't only scan your computer, but downloads and installs for you as well. Just keep an eye open while installing it to uncheck the box that installs toolbars and changes your default browser. It's all optional, but the box is checked by default.

[golem]

If you're a developer don't forget
fileseek @ http://www.fileseek.ca/ - the free version is very good ... and fast.
don't recall anyone telling you to get openoffice @ http://www.openoffice.org/ / libreoffice @ https://www.libreoffice.org/ if you don't already have a fully paid m$ office.

[DAYAGO]

I would recommend Steam

[stormwarrior]

uTorrent
Chrome
Avira
 

they are all great tool.enjoy

[platorin]

SpyBot, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

[Lauda]

This really depends on what you usually do with your computer? Installing anything that you won't use would be a mistake.
I actually separated a few systems for different groups of programs.

[Hazir]

You will need antivir no matter what. I recommend Avast! great all-around protection against viruses and trojans.
Nice options here are also AntiVir Free version - lightweight and solid. Good ratings. Worth looking into.

Firewall is nice security option too: Comodo Firewall - long been considered one of the best free firewall tools available.

Peer Block - Control/block your PC's communication with ad or spyware servers. Secures P2P activities.

[commandrix]

Ones I use:

GIMP (for image editing)
Eclipse (for JAVA programming)
Firefox

All free. Oh, and you might want to get double the amount of RAM at the very least.

[ajareselde]

Just see what u need, and dont put anything u dont need and wont use.
There is nothing worse than overstucked comp, especialy when it is netbook, personaly a very bad choice by in my opinion.

[FFrost]

I guess a new computer meaning Windows h8te? Essential program would be startisback

[olliec420]

does anyone have any opinion about Swift?

don't know how to program and was thinking of trying to learn it

[bryant.coleman]

Here is my list:

1. Ksapersky Anti Virus
2. Dropbox
3. Winrar
4. ImgBurn
5. Trillian
6. VLC Media Player
7. Google Chrome
8. Google Earth
9. Freemake Video Converter
10. Picasa

[zahra4571]

here is my opinion what average user must have
Avast
utorrent
4Kdownloader
Lightshot
Skype
Chrome
TeamViwer
Adobe Acrobat
Daemon tools
BS player
Aimp
Office
Nero
PhotoShop
CorelVideoStudio

[Gianluca95]

Hi, Dad bought my first year when I was a child (only 3 years) and now all of that I know of computer is thanks to he !

So, install this program:

GoogleChrome
Teamviewer
Skype
Utorrent
Photoshop
Microsoft Visual Studio
Notepad +++


That's the minimum that you have to installed on your computer

[Quartx]

Visual Studio, Netbeans, Ecilpse

[KIRAZ]

Their are two that i wants to recommend. I use them all the time. 

1. f.lux : It adjusts a computer display's color temperature according to its location and time of day, based on a user specified set of longitude and latitude geographical coordinates, a ZIP Code, or a city name.

2. puush : Use keyboard shortcuts or drag-drop gestures to quickly capture any portion of your screen. These screenshots are near-instantly puush'd, leaving behind a short URL in your clipboard, perfect for sharing. Paste these easily into your Twitter, IRC or IM clients. Share them with the world or make them private, for your eyes only.