Software (mostly free)

Note: I do not endorse any of the software mentioned on this web page.

Enter "best free software" in Google to find lists of other free software.

Adobe Reader (PDF reader)

AVG (antivirus program)

FlashGet (download manager)

GRC (check the security of your system using "System Shield")

Handy Backup (back up software)

Hekko Virtual CD (lets you run CDs on your hard disk)

HTTrack (download web sites)

IzArc (archive utility)

Kephyr (for Bazooka adware and spyware scanner and others)

Lavasoft (Ad-Aware spyware remover)

Maxthon (adds tabs and other features to IE)

Mozilla Thunderbird (receives and sends e-mail)

Mr. Postman (download and upload webmail)

Omea (RSS reader)

Open Office (word processor, spreadsheet program, etc.)

PeerGuardian (stops selected sites from accessing your PC)

Paper Notes (notes program)

PC Safe (stores passwords securely)

Quick Shutdown (program to reboot, restart, or shutdown MS Windows)

Spamihilator (traps junk e-mail before you download them)

Spybot (anti-spyware program)

Trillian (four-in-one Internet messenger)

w.bloggar (posts RSS feeds to web log; can be used with Omea)

Zonealarm (computer firewall)