The operation was a success: My computer's alive!

I installed Windows 7 Home Premium OS yesterday without a hitch and am back up and running in fit and fighting shape. Today, I'm reinstalling all the programs and software I need.

Here's a word of advice for anyone with a new computer or someone who's computer is running slow and thinking of doing a clean install and starting over.....find and use the free software out there.

Why waste money on bloated, expensive, and memory-hoggish big-name software, when you can find free software that works just as well or better and leaves a much smaller memory footprint? Do it and your computer (as well as your impatience) will thank you.

For instance, instead of McAfee or Symantec Norton Antivirus software, use the free Avira AntiVir.

Instead of Adobe Reader, use Foxit Reader.

Instead of the Microsoft Office suite, use the Open Office suite.

Here's an article with a decent list of recommendations of free software:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2361876,00.asp