• Office Suite: OpenOffice.org
    http://www.openoffice.org/
    OpenOffice.org is a multiplatform and multilingual office suite and an open-source project. Compatible with all other major office suites (including Microsoft Office), the product is free to download, use, and distribute.

  • Open Source Development Editor: Open Komodo
    http://www.openkomodo.com/
    The Open Komodo Project, based on the award-winning Komodo IDE, is a new initiative by ActiveState to create an open source platform for building developer environments. ActiveState has open-sourced elements of Komodo Edit, a free multi-language editor for dynamic languages based on Komodo IDE, to create the Open Komodo code base.

  • Picture Management & 1GB Web Sharing: Google Picasa
    http://picasa.google.com/
    Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you share and manage your photos. It locates and organizes your photos, let’s you edit and add effects and share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web - free 1GB web space included.

  • Firewall: ZoneAlarm
    http://www.zonelabs.com/
    Basic PC protection for the home user. You should have a firewall installed on your home computer if your computer is connected directly to your cable or DSL modem. If you are using a broadband router, it will usually have a sufficient firewall built-in - but you must periodically check for new firmware from the manufacturer’s site and update it via a wired connection (NOT over wireless).

  • Antivirus: AVG Free
    http://free.grisoft.com/
    Where just a single technology might fall short of detecting or identifying a virus, AVG Free combines several technologies to ensure that your computer is protected. According to Grisoft, it’s totally Vista-ready.

  • Spyware tool: SpyCatcher Express
    http://www.tenebril.com/
    Does very well at both spyware cleaning and preventing further infestation. The free version has almost all the features of the paid version. It lacks anti-phishing and a few high-end tools. You must also check for updates manually, but it does the job.

  • Online Virus Scan: Trend Micro
    http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
    Ease your mind and scan your PC for viruses and spyware.

  • Symantec Security Check
    http://security.symantec.com/
    Symantec Security Check tests your exposure to a wide range of online threats. It’s free and efficient, and it helps you determine your Internet security needs.

  • Infected or Not
    http://www.infectedornot.com/usa/
    Are there viruses running on your computer right now? Check with Panda NanoScan.

  • Web Browser: Mozilla FireFox
    http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
    A nice alternative to Internet Explorer

  • Email Client: Mozilla Thunderbird
    http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/thunderbird/
    Thunderbird delivers. Enjoy safe, fast, and easy email, with intelligent spam filters, quick message search, and customizable views. Brought to you by Mozilla, Thunderbird makes email better.

  • Image Editor: The GIMP
    http://www.gimp.org/windows/
    GIMP is an acronym for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed program for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.

  • Image Viewer/Converter: InfanView
    http://www.irfanview.com/
    IrfanView is a very fast, small, compact and innovative FREEWARE (for non-commercial use) graphic viewer for Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista. You can also use it to create automated slideshows and screen savers from your picture collections.

  • PDF viewer: Foxit Reader
    http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
    Adobe Acrobat is slow and bloated for simple PDF viewing. Foxit Reader runs swift as a standalone app, or within your browser.

 

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