Being a member of the computer age can be very expensive. First you have to buy a computer, then software, then software licenses, then Internet access, then media like CD-roms and USB drives for data storage, etc. The process can be very tedious, intimidating, and expensive. However, there are many pieces of software out there that work just as well as their retail counterparts, and are actually free. Having been a resource-constrained techie and consumer for a while, I’ve come across several very good free programs that I feel belong on any Windows PC. What follows is a list of the best ones, as well as descriptions of what they do and why you would find them useful. They are not listed in any particular order. Please note that while I use and can recommend all of these programs, I do not assume any responsibility for their use, any damages caused by their use, or their availability. Please also note that due to active link limits placed by this site, I am unable to link to the drop location of these programs. However, you can easily find them on Google.

1. AVG Products:

Well, I am including here some programs from the same company, but they are all good and, in many cases, free. AVG antivirus is one of the free, as well as one of the best-in-class utilities. If you run a business, you can still get it, you’ll just have to pay for the business version. It is kept up to date very regularly by Grissoft the developer and I have had as much if not better luck than some of the big name software packages like Norton and Mcafee. Another very good product in this line is their spyware removal program. It seems to remove more malware (programs that fall in that gray area between legitimate and real spyware) and during the trial period it provides active scanning, which means it will protect you as long as it runs in the background. Even after the trial runs out, you can still update it and run scans.

2. Spybot Search and Destroy

Another good spyware removal utility. This one is completely free, although it is supported by a donation if you so choose. Spybot is very easy to use, is regularly updated and is pretty much a simple functional tool. Combined with AVG or Lavasoft’s Adaware program, you’ll get most, if not all, of the spyware off your computer in a timely manner.

3. Mozilla Firefox

In the beginning there was Netscape and Internet Explorer… and federal antitrust lawsuits. Now, we have Mozilla Firefox, which is a feature-rich browser and a personal preference over Internet Explorer, which in the past has been riddled with security holes and the victim of countless pop-ups. Firefox is very successful at blocking them (although Internet Explorer has gotten a lot better lately) and also seems to be a bit faster and more stable. If you’re having trouble with Internet Explorer or just looking for an alternative, this is a real winner. You can also check out their other free software such as Thunderbird, an alternative to Microsoft Outlook.

Four. Belarc Free Advisor

Have you ever installed a video card, sound card, or even a program and really had no idea what it was? Just run this utility and you’ll get a nicely organized list of everything on your computer: every piece of software, every piece of hardware, every driver version you’re currently using. It goes even further and also gives you product identification codes for the programs you have installed (the ones you installed legitimately, of course). So if you’re not really sure what you have on your PC or have lost the Product ID for a piece of software you actually own, this tool can be invaluable.

5. open Office

Everyone these days needs an office pack. Whether you need to type a document in a word processor, put together a presentation to deliver to an LCD projector, or create a spreadsheet of your personal finances, it’s just a requirement for general PC use. There’s the obvious choice of Microsoft Office or Word Perfect and both are very good options, but they also cost a decent amount of money. There is a free alternative in OpenOffice and it is good. It is quite similar to Microsoft Office in its appearance and can even open files created in that package. Plus, backed by Sun Microsystems and a dedicated group of developers, you know it will continue to evolve and be around for a long time.

6. Gimp

It’s not a very nice name but it’s a very good program. This is a graphics editor much like Adobe Photoshop. You can create and manipulate images in many different file types and formats, and convert them however you like. For a free program, it’s incredibly comprehensive, though I do warn you to save quite often because it’s failed me before. But for the cost, you can’t complain.

7. Knoppix Live CD

This one may sound counterintuitive because it’s actually a Linux operating system, but it can be a lifesaver. This is a complete operating system that runs on a CD. Let’s say Windows crashes but you really need an important document right away. Just load the CD, and as long as you have some kind of removable media, like a USB drive, you can access your file and save it. You can also browse the Internet, use Open Office, send and receive email, and even chat on the most popular messaging services like AIM and Yahoo.

8. macaronic tongue

Speaking of messengers. This was formally known as GAIM, but after a legal dispute with AOL, the developers changed it to Pidgeon. This is a multi-client messenger, which means that in one window you can simultaneously connect to your Yahoo, AIM, MSN, ICQ, etc. You can keep them organized, keep records of every conversation, transfer files, and basically do anything you can with just one messenger, all in one convenient place.

9. Google Picasa

A very good program from Google that allows you to organize all your digital photos. It will scan your drive for them, so be careful if there are any you don’t want your grandkids to see. Beyond that, you can easily tweak, categorize, and even password-protect the albums in case the aforementioned issue occurs.

10 safe experience

I would not suggest using anything other than the automatic settings of this program if you are not a fairly experienced Windows user. However, it gives you much more control over Windows XP allowing you to make it more secure and faster. Just don’t change anything if you’re not sure what it is and don’t try it yet on Windows Vista.

eleven VLC

One last essential for any Windows PC is a good media player. You can download anything these days, from music to movies, and VLC is your one-stop source to play them all. A small media player that will play everything from mp3 to divx to dvd in good quality and using very little system resources.

12 Microsoft power toys

For the final choice, I had to go for a Microsoft product and this one is free. Well, technically products, since this is a list of applications developed by Microsoft after the release of Windows. Programs include tweakui which gives you even more control over Windows, several different programs to create slideshows of your images, tools to match the colors you see on your monitor to those coming out of your printer, and even a tool to enhance the clarity of the text in case you have trouble reading this.

There you have it, twelve programs that will increase the productivity, speed, and efficiency of your Windows PC without costing you a dime. Just remember that I am in no way associated with these programs nor do I offer any endorsement in their use. I do not assume any responsibility for damages caused by their use, since they are completely the property and responsibility of their developers. This article was written solely as advice for those looking for good freeware. If you like this article, please visit me on my website for more tips and a chance to respond with any suggestions or questions you may have.