building new comp, what programs/updates etc. do i need for it?

[Falon]

Hey all, about to build my new computer and I am trying to make a list of things I need to get for it. LIke plugins for browsers, or upgrades, or any general software. What I can think of:

xp pro service pack 1 (not 1a)
(sandra)
(3dmark)
nvidia drivers
all drivers for hardware
winamp
quicktime
benchmarking programs (don't know any other)
divx
codecs for windows media player
icq
aim
msn
c++ compiler/program (for school, had one on my old comp but dont remember were i got it so i need to find a new one)
java compiler/program (for school, had one on my old comp but dont remember were i got it so i need to find a new one)
mirc
netscape / mozilla ?
winrar
winzip
directx9
outlook express
internet explorer
internet plugins-flash, shockwave
foreign langauges for o/s or IE

Reason I wanna make a list is because I can't get cable out here, so I am gonna dl the stuff at school or at a friends house. So you guys got any suggestions, or favorites you think I should dl, and other things that I might of forgot to add for one reason or another.

Thanks

 

[billyzbear]

Winace is good. You also mite want the updated Nero if you have a cd burner

 

[Jennerstein]

PowerToys for Windows XP.

Adobe Acrobat/Adobe Products.

Riva Tuner.

Also might want to check out Trillian if you're interested in consolidating all those chat programs.
Trillian

And if you're doing web development, install Apache or IIS, with the included php/asp etc extensions.

 

[Falon]

what does winace do?

also anyone know a good free program to make screensavers out of pictures, like jpg or gif?