New Windows 8 Install Need Help (Duplitor)

This thread is for Duplitor.

I do not know how to open a new Thread or if this subject was already attended to. This is the reason for my contact.

Unfortunately, I had to re-install everything after my computer failed and need some advice:

I loaded Windows 8 and will upgrade to 8.1 as soon as possible.

I installed “Firefox” and “AVG antivirus”

The previous time I ended up with a lot of unwanted stuff and would like to know if you could assist me. I don’t know what else I need, but I use my computer for e-mails, Video’s, Photo’s, and Admin. What other programs would you suggest??? Pdf reader, Jpeg, VLC, Java, Format factory, ea.

NB: Secondly, while re-installing Windows 8, I unfortunately “Format” my external Hard drive and have no excess to all my back-up files. (Plus- minus 500 Gig of Word, Excel, Photo’s, Video’s, ea.) I immediately unplug the Hard-drive, but need to recover all or as many as possible of those files.

Could you plse assist me with the best add-ons and needed programs for a smooth running and functional computer.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

For PDF Reader, Adobe Reader is popular.
Yes to VLC
If you can live without Java, don't install it. It gets hacked a lot.

You'll need special software to recover those files. Alternately you can take it to a place that recovers files. It'll be costly, probably starting around 600 USD.

There are some applications listed in our Recommended Software thread at http://computerhelpforums.com/threads/chf-recommended-software.48136/.
Look in the File Recovery section.

 

Recuva is very simple to use.
Just follow the instructions and make sure that you have some type of external media to put any recovered items on.
A flash drive or a portable hard drive will work well.