Java Runtime Environment

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Java software allows you to run applications called "applets" that are written in the Java programming language. These applets allow you to play online games, chat with people around the world, calculate your mortgage interest, and view images in 3D.

Many cross platform applications also require this to run.

CPU-Z & GPU-Z

Info CPU-Z: Website - Download1 - Download2
CPU-Z is a freeware utility that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system (processor, mainboard, memory, system). CPU-Z does not need to be installed, just unzip the files in a directory and run the .exe. In order to remove the program, just delete the files and that's it. The program does not copy any file in any Windows directory, nor write in the registry.

Info GPU-Z: Website - Download1 - Download2

GPU-Z is a lightweight utility designed to give you all information about your video card and GPU.

• Support NVIDIA and ATI cards
• Displays adapter, GPU and display information
• Displays overclock, default clocks and 3D clocks (if available)

DirectX 9.0c

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Microsoft DirectX is a group of technologies designed to make Windows-based computers an ideal platform for running and displaying applications rich in multimedia elements such as full-color graphics, video, 3D animation, and rich audio. DirectX 9.0 includes security and performance updates, along with many new features across all technologies, which can be accessed by applications using the DirectX 9.0 APIs.

It is required by almost all PC games and 3D applications.

ATI Catalyst Drivers

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ATI Catalyst: A free software suite for ATI Radeon graphics that helps improve PC performance by increasing overall stability and providing innovative new features.

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)

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Description
The Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (also called Vista SP1) fixes a range of bugs in Windows Vista. It provides enhanced security measures that will hopefully improve defences against viruses, worms and hackers, along with increased manageability and an improved experience for users.

Vista Service Pack 1 is a large download and can be applied to any version of Windows Vista. However, any patches released after Vista Service Pack 1 will still need to be installed. Since Vista SP1 was finalised in late January 2008, this means you must download updates released from (and including) February 2008.

The advantage of this full download is that it can be used on any system - plus it doesn't require an Internet connection to install. You can download Vista SP1, burn it to disk and use it on multiple PCs.

To download the complete Service Pack 1 for all versions of Windows Vista, click the download link at the top of this page.

Windows XP Service Pack 3

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Description
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (XP SP3) fixes a range of bugs and adds new features to Windows XP. The file is a large download and can be applied to any version of Windows XP Home, Professional, TabletPC or Media Center (32 bit only). In addition, it doesn't matter what XP patches you have previously applied to your system, SP3 will update any unpatched, partially patched or completely updated system to version SP3. It includes all features of Service Pack 1 and 2, plus all patches, updates and fixes released up to and including April 2008's monthly security bulletin. Keep in mind that new patches made available after Service Pack 3 was released (mid April 2008) will still need to be applied.

Important notes: Microsoft advise uninstalling any beta or Release Candidate versions before installing this final release. Do not install Service Pack 3 on systems with AMD chips unless a special hotfix has been applied first. This hotfix needs to be applied before SP3, otherwise your system may get stuck in a loop and never start. Click here for the AMD Windows XP SP3 hotfix. The file will download directly from Microsoft's servers - you may want to shorten the file name.

The advantage of this full download is that it can be used on any system - plus it doesn't require an Internet connection to install. You can download SP3, copy it to disc or a portable drive and use it on multiple PCs. Alternatively, since the file is so huge, you can download SP3 on a fast Internet connection and use it to update a PC with a slow or non-existent connection.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes the following:

• All previous security patches and fixes released for Windows XP.
• All enhancements and new features that were included with Windows XP SP1 and Windows XP SP2
• Only two new features have been added: Black Hole Router Detection Windows and Network Access Protection (NAP).
• The following are already available for Windows XP in stand-alone updates. Windows XP SP3 includes them by default (System administrators must choose to install each of these updates): MMC 3.0, MSXML6, Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 v2, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) 2.5, IPsec Simple Policy Update for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, Digital Identity, Management Service (DIMS), Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) 2.1, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2).
• From the Release Notes: "Microsoft is not adding significant functionality from newer versions of Windows, such as Windows Vista, to Windows XP through XP SP3. For instance, Windows XP SP3 does not include Windows Internet Explorer 7, although Windows XP SP3 does include updates to both Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7, and it will update whichever version is installed on the computer. One notable exception is that, SP3 does include Network Access Protection (NAP)."

To download the complete 313MB SP3 for all English versions of Windows XP, click the download link at the top of this page.

NVIDIA Forceware

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NVIDIA ForceWare software unleashes the full power and features in NVIDIA's desktop, gaming, platform, workstation, laptop, multimedia, and mobile products. Delivering a proven record of compatibility, reliability, and stability with the widest range of games and applications, ForceWare software ensures the best experience with your NVIDIA hardware.