Windows

Win XPWi

Lots of extras and utilities for Win XP, includes XP PowerToys.

Internet Explorer 8

The latest version of Microsofts bundled browser.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Checks your PC to see if your hardware and software is OK to run Windows 7.

Anti-Virus Software

Avast Home

One of the best free antivirus software packages available. Paid for version, (Avast Internet Security), is worth the extra.

Panda AV

Been around a bit longer than Avast but still very good.

Anti-Spyware Software

Spyware Doctor

This is not free and uses quite a lot of processor power. But if you need the best - This is it!

AdaWare

Once considered the best anti-spyware product, although it now has some competition.

SpyBot search & Destroy

Improved a lot recently, more powerfull than Adaware but a bit more "hands-on".

Microsoft Security Essentials

This free antivirus and anti-spyware just gets better and better.

HijackThis

Use with care! This shows a list of running processes and allows you to delete them. Very, very effective.

AVG Anti-spyware

Full version for 30 days then reverts to free version, but still very effective.

Spyware Terminator

Quite good on some of the latest malware. They also have versions for Win 98 & ME.

Panda Anti-Rootkit Detector

Rootkits are used to hide other viruses/spyware on your PC and are undetectable by most antivirus programs.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Scans registry and all files. Gives you information on results. Pro version with resident protection is $25.

Avira Anti-Rootkit

A free tool that just deals with the growing problem of Rootkits.

Disk Clean and Tune up

CCleaner

Removes unused files from your system allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up hard disk space.

PC Decrapifier

Gets rid of all those unwanted freebie programs that you now get with most new PC's.

Regseeker

Displays various information and cleans up your registry.

IOBit Advanced WindowsCare

The new one click tune up for your PC has rave reviews.

IObit SmartDefrag

The only thing lacking in Advanced WindowsCare is a defragger and here it is.

Diskeeper Lite

A cut down free version of the industry standard defragger. No longer available from Diskeeper's website.

Recommended Web Browsers

Mozilla Firefox

Secure, fast, more compact browser. Highly customisable.

Opera

Removes ads and improves browsing

Google Chrome

Google offering which integrates well with other Google products

Safari

The famous Apple browser now available in beta for Windows

E-mail software

Thunderbird

The E-mail client that works with Mozilla Firefox.

Opera mail

Use with Opera web browser

Eudora

A highly respected alternative to Outlook Express (sponsored mode - with ads, is free)

Pegasus Mail

A complex, but very worthy email client.

IncrediMail

If you like lots of smiley faces in your emails, this one is for you.

Office Software

Open Office

A Microsoft compatible Office suite, will open and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint document. Highly recommended.

Adobe (Acrobat) Reader

Free PDF reader from Adobe. (The link is initially slow as it checks which version is best for you).

Microsoft Office 2007 Trial

Try all versions of Office 2007.

PowerPoint Viewer

Allows you to view a PowerPoint presentation without having PowerPoint installed. Works with all versions.

Out of Office Ass. (Outlook 2007)

Create automatic, customized e-mail replies for your incoming e-mail while you are out of the office. (How to use)

Office Compatibility Pack

Makes Word/Excel/PowerPoint XP/2002 compatible with the new 2007 file formats. More Info

Media software

Picasa

Picasa helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC and is produced by Google (2000/XP only).

Gimp

An excellent Photo editing suite to rival Adobe Photoshop

Internet Telephony

Skype

Call other Skype users for free with a microphone and or webcam. Also call rates are good for conventional phones,

Parental Control software

K9 Web protection

New and easy to use parental control software to restrict your childs access to the darker side of the Internet.

System software

Netstumbler

Shows signal strength of wireless connection by time and other useful information.

CPU-Z

Detects processor and RAM details. Useful when upgrading.

RAM checker

Microsoft utility for hardware checking your RAM. If your PC is becoming unstable give this a try.

Norton Uninstall Tool

Use this and CCleaner, after uninstalling Norton from control panel, to remove the bits that uninstall leave behind.

CD Burner XP Pro

Despite its name, it burns CD's & DVD's and works with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.

HD Tune

Utility for checking your hard drive and displaying vital information.

SiSoft Sandra Lite

Tells you everything you need to know about your PC hardware and software.

DVD Flick

Produces home movie and photo slideshows onto DVD.

Intel CPU Identification Utility

Gives information on your Intel processor. You will need this to check your Intel CPU prior to running XP Pro mode under Windows 7.

AMD-V_hyper-V_Compatibility

Gives information on your AMD processor. You will need this to check your AMD CPU prior to running XP Pro mode under Windows 7.

Maps/Satellite pictures

Google Earth

Road maps and satellite pictures seamlessly joined. Recommended.

Google Maps

Excellent way to find and view streets with real drive by images. Also plans routes and gives directions. Great source of information about local businesses too.

Firewall

Online Armor

Highly recommended protection from internet based assaults and to secure data on your PC too. The free version is more than adequate.

Video editing

DVDShrink

Take a Double density DVD image and create a DVD film on a standard blank DVD. Edit menus, clip languages and subtitles and more.

Audio Editing

Audacity

Create your own music and ringtones with this highly regarded software. Edit mp3s, wav etc.

Remote PC connection

VNC Viewer

Use your PC to remotely control another PC anywhere in the world. Also set your PC to be controlled. Linux & Windows

Logmein

Use your browser to remotely control another PC anywhere in the world.