want to create a disk that will install some freeware and shareware exe's without any user interaction (just stick er in an watch er go) I do sidejobs building pc's (parts and OS install) that seem to end up in New User's hands quite a bit. most machines I build are Linux boxs for online sale but I do a bit of windows for people who ask for it.I would like to provide a disc of AV and antispy plus some other stuff as well (browser, tools and toys). Windows seems really bareboned after install compared to suse or ubuntu and I don't want them to feel "left out to dry"
when they get it home. could anyone recommend some good software most of the suff I have looked at is for attaching stuff to a windows instalation but I would like this as a seperate disc that they can copy and share with friends and such.

It's a good idea Jimmy but won't work.
Let's take it from the end of the post ok. Having a disk that incorporated say Firefox, AVG, Zone Alarm, AdAware etc is ok for that moment in time but the programs are always updating.
What is good today won't be good tomorrow and will need a massive amount of time invested to bring them up to date by the customer.
Plus we have the factor of "Are the disks free" or will you be selling them?
Straight away a copyright lawyer would hang you out to dry.
If you want to make money on this then do what I do and ask a customer what software they would require, if they are unsure of what they need then explain the virtues of say Firefox as against IE, (slight bias from the wolf there sorry)
Once they have decided then download them and charge for the time.
Freeware might be literally free to copy etc but Shareware definately is not.
The only way you can do this is write your own software, are you capable of doing so?
Just a thought
Wolfey.

no this is to be a free disc that I will give to the people that by systems that use windows (winnows) . most of the people that get a winnows sys from me generaly are newbie PC users and know little to nothing about them or how to protect themselves online. all share ware would be placed in a folder on the desktop for them to chose from but I would like to automate the freeware installs and just give them the disk free of charge (hell I give this stuff to people that don't buy anything at all) its just a way to do my share to stop the junk floating loose out there online I also do a crapload of service calls to "Friends of their's" to fix the messes they make to their PC's and generaly end up installing the same stuff to make the repairs (almost all calls are spyware related but there are a few hardware issues but not many!!)
Here is a list:

adaware
spybot
AVG
MS private folder
Vlan player
quicktime
Jre runtime
windowpaperXP
Adobe reader
firefox
removeit-pro
ccleaner
diskeeper lite
windows defender
123 free solitary
AC3 codecs
ffdshow
IE clear cache
3 cursor pacs
20 theam pacs
55 meg wallpapers and clipart
a wallpaper changer(not sure what one yet)
2 screensavers that I made on 2 flyer
page file defrag from systernals

Most of this came from the MS site while some are available for download on"Major-Geeks" website or was made by me. as for the other stuff most of the rest are older games that are now opensource ( my favorite is "Ur-Quan masters" AKA Starcontrol 2) these are online installers that I just place on the desktop in a folder that reads "Online Install Only" as to the software being dated that is the reason that I wanted this type of software so I can make updates as needed and since I only need the disc once or twice a month I would make it an ISO and store it on a virtual drive for later burning

Hmm have to agree with Wolfey on this one,


I would ask each person would they like for example a Anti virus installing for them, if they say yes install it then include a mini guide on there Pc which tells them:


How to use the Program
When to use the Program
How to Update the Program.


I'm sure some of you would disagree this is just the way i would do it .


Bugsey

Your three "Read Me" type files would involve a lot of work Bugsey but are a very good idea.

thanks Bugsey but I generaly walk each through an install so they can do it again for themselves when neccesary and then ask them if they would like the additional software added (my concern is with HD space of the system) so I show them the list I showed you and then I show them the list of Opensorce Game installers and freeware games I have tested for Viri and spyware with multipule scanners ( 8 different Anti-spy and 5 anti Virus) give them a tour of the system add any extra hardware and drivers they need and a card with my name and phone if they need some help with anything PC related (call Hrs. posted on the bottom in red ink!!!!) Most of the time I do the home serviced on the barter or pay what you can afford basis. (these are low&fixed income people) And the machines are low end (600mhz to 1 gig) so you see I wouldn't try to make a living doing just this if I plan on eating all year.

Jimmy, I like your idea. I do however have some suggestions: 1) Drop Adobe and add Foxit Reader. Faster and lighter, does the same. 2) Drop quicktime. Not needed. VideoLAN/VLC opens these and almost all video and audio files. 3) Adding a safer email client (Thunderbird?) could perhaps be an idea.