Best Windows Freeware

There is so much free software available for Windows that nearly all your needs can be satisfied by Freeware or Open Source Software. This is a list, in a rough descending order, of what we like to use at RambleSchmack.

Core Applications

Web Browser: Firefox / Opera / Avant / Maxthon
Remember to enhance Firefox using our recommended Best Firefox Extensions.
Email Client: Thunderbird
Word Processing et al: OpenOffice.org / AbiWord / MikTex
Instant Messenger: GAIM / Skype / Trillian / Miranda
To be honest with you, these all blow. You'd be better off to leave your house and see them in person.
Text Editor: EditPlus / Crimson Editor
(EditPlus is actually shareware).

Security

Anti-virus: AVG / Avast / ClamWin
Anti-spyware: Spybot S & D / AdAware
We suggest you use both of these, as neither program catches everything.
Firewall: ZoneAlarm / Sygate