software
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💾 Software Support & Standard Tools
Part of the IT-Manual Standard loadouts, bloatware removal lists, and Microsoft Office troubleshooting.
📖 Overview
This directory covers the software side of a computer setup. It defines the “Standard Loadout” (what we put on every machine), the “Blacklist” (what we remove from every machine), and specific support guides for the most critical business suite: Microsoft Office.
📂 Contents
🧰 The Toolkit & Installation
What goes ON the computer.
- Software We Install & Use The Standard Loadout: A curated list of approved utilities (Browsers, PDF Readers, Media Players, Runtimes) that should be installed on every fresh setup or tune-up.
- Software Download & Reinstall Sources and methods for reinstalling client-specific paid software (e.g., QuickBooks, Adobe, Norton) without installing bundled junkware.
🧹 Cleanup & Bloatware
What comes OFF the computer.
- Software to Remove if Found The Blacklist: A database of “System Optimizers,” “Driver Updaters,” and aggressive toolbars that must be uninstalled to improve system performance and stability.
📎 Microsoft Office & Outlook
Support for the most common business applications.
- Microsoft Outlook Troubleshooting Fixes for common email issues: Corrupted PST/OST files, “Trying to Connect” errors, and search indexing failures.
- Find MS Office Product License Key Critical Step: How to extract or locate a product key before wiping a drive or reinstalling Windows, ensuring the client doesn’t lose their $250+ license.
⚡ Quick Reference: The “Uninstaller” Hitlist
If you see these, remove them immediately. (See Software-to-Remove-if-Found.md for full list)
| Category | Examples (Remove These) | Replace With (If Needed) |
|---|---|---|
| “Driver Updaters” | DriverEasy, DriverBooster, HP Support Assistant | Windows Update / Manufacturer Site |
| “Optimizers” | CCleaner (free version), PC Speed Up, Advanced SystemCare | Built-in Disk Cleanup |
| Fake Antivirus | McAfee (Expired trials), Segurazo, ByteFence | Windows Defender / Paid EDR |
| Toolbars | Yahoo Toolbar, Ask Toolbar, Coupon Printers | N/A (Malware) |
Maintained by Pacific Northwest Computers