Recommended Software
Essentials
A selection of fundamental programs from this list, all in an easy to install, customizable package - Essentials, courtesy of Ninite.com
Security
Antivirus - ESET NOD32 Antivirus, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
Spyware/adware removal - Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware, Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware
Internet
Audio and video calling - Skype
BitTorrent client - µTorrent
E-mail - Gmail
Form filler - RoboForm, LastPass
Instant messaging - Trillian Astra, Meebo
Screen sharing/remote desktop access - TeamViewer
Web browser - Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome
Office
Spreadsheet - OpenOffice.org Calc
Word processor - OpenOffice.org Writer
Media
Media player - VLC
Music discovery - Last.fm, Pandora
Music player/organizer - MediaMonkey
Photo viewer/editor - Picasa, FastStone Image Viewer
Podcast client and video player - Miro
Sound editor - Audacity
Utilities
Advanced interface options - Tweak UI (Windows XP), Ultimate Windows Tweaker (Windows Vista & 7)
Application launcher - Launchy, PStart
Copy and move files - TeraCopy
Desktop widgets - Yahoo! Widgets
Disk imaging - Macrium Reflect
File compression/decompression - 7-Zip
File manager - Directory Opus
File renamer - A.F.5 Rename Your Files
Hard drive usage statistics - WinDirStat
Program uninstaller - Revo Uninstaller
System cleanup - Glary Utilities
PDF viewer - Foxit Reader
PDF printer - PrimoPDF
Virtual globe - Google Earth
Vector graphics - Inkscape
Websites
Comparison of Intel and AMD product lines - Intel & AMD Processors
Comprehensive directory of downloadable software - Download.com
CPU Benchmarks - PassMark CPU Benchmarks
File extension database - .dotWHAT!?
Free online file conversion - Zamzar
Inexpensive refurbished computers - Dell Outlet
Internet connection speed test - Speedtest.net
Unattended batch program installer - Ninite