All of these are freeware unless otherwise specified.
In Order of Importance:
- Mozilla Firefox - Regarded by most to be the best web browser, fast with lots of available add-ons
- 7-Zip - Free file compressor/decompressor, supports most formats out there
- Sun Java - Better alternative to Microsoft Java (you will need this)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader - Necessary to read PDF files (you will need this)
- CCleaner - Small, fast app that helps you remove all the accumulated clutter on your system, also has a registry fixer
- K-Lite Mega Codec Pack - Installs all the codecs you need to view any video file. NOTE: you need to remove all previous codec packs (if you have any) before using this or they will conflict
- Trillian Instant Messenger - Combines AIM, MSN, Yahoo IM, and many other chat programs into one program
- Winamp - Simple music player compatible with most formats
- Metapad - Replacement for notepad with no filesize limit. After you download it, unzip it using 7-Zip and rename it as "notepad.exe" and place it in your windows folder to replace notepad.