Hi guys. Just thought I'd make a few recommendations for software.

Antivirus
The following are free Antivirus programs that are commonly recommended. All three have realtime scanning features. Remember to only choose ONE Antivirus program to be running all the time.


AVG 8 Free - probably the most well known free Antivirus and it's a decent alternative to the paid stuff.

Antivir Personal - Another decent free AV. Has higher detection rates than AVG although there is a nag screen that pops up everytime it updates.

Avast Home Edition Yet another AV. I haven't used it myself but many people recommend it.


Antispyware/malware
These are standalone scanners that can be run manually.


Malwarebytes Anti-malware - MBAM is a great tool for detecting and removing some pretty stubborn infections.

SUPERAntiSpyware Free - Another good free AS scanner.


Firewall

Comodo Firewall - If you find Windows firewall to not meet your needs, this free alternative is certainly more powerful and configurable... to the extent that it can be annoying in the beggining. Remember to only have on firewall running at one time.


Office

OpenOffice.org - This free open source MS office alternative will more than likely meet your needs. Has a spreadsheet, database, presentation, and word processing program.. and more.


Instant Messaging

Pidgin - Open source IM program that supports a ton of protocols. Even if you just use AIM I would consider switching. Pidgin has no adds, no bundled software, has a cleaner and lighter interface than AIM 6.

Miranda - This ultra light and versatile IM program is highly customizable and is a good alternative for those who don't like pidgin.


Browsers

Mozilla Firefox - Obviously. Most people have already heard of this one, but it's important to list it here.

Apple Safari

Opera

These are all arguably better and safer than Internet Explorer.


Image software


Paint.net - Open source alternative to MS paint. Has ability to work with layers and many other features offered by expensive alternatives.


Gimp - Open source photo manipulation tool. Very powerful tool. See the link provided for more in depth description.




Assorted Software

Quicktime Alternative - Quicktime is awful software in my opinion. Quicktime Alternative is just as it sounds, an alternative.

Virtualbox - Free virtualization software (like VMware or Virtual PC). It's not as full featured as VMware but it gets the job done easily. If your looking to get started with running a virtual machine try Virtualbox. It might suit your needs while costing you nothing.

Foxit Reader - Adobe Reader is another piece of software that I despise. This light and free PDF reader gets the job done with none of the BS that comes along with adobe reader.

ATF Cleaner - Simple temp file cleaner that requires no installation.


Rocketdock - Want a cool dock menu like OS X has? Here you go! Fully customizable and many skins available.


I'm sure there are more I can add but I think this is a good start. Feel free to add your thoughts and suggestions.