AVG - Anti-Virus Software

http://free.grisoft.com/

Once installed, this software is very easy to set-up and enables a thorough scan of your whole computer in no-time.

It provides comprehensive protection against viruses for both email and websites and clearly flags up malicious files which can then be dealt with.

It has automatic downloads and a daily automatic scan function.

Ad-Aware - Spyware Removal Tool

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Ad-Aware 2007 Free remains the most popular anti-spyware product for computer users around the world, with nearly one million downloads every week.

The free anti-spyware version provides you with advanced protection against spyware that secretly attaches and takes control of your computer, resulting in aggressive advertising pop-ups, sluggish computer activity, even identity theft through stolen bank details, passwords, and credit card account numbers.

NVU - Website Design and Authoring Package

http://www.nvu.com/

This compact and hands on program is great if you're a business who want to create your own site, and maintain it yourself too!

Users of such web site design platforms as Dreamweaver and other Industry Standards, will recognize the tried and tested interface utilised here.

Switching back and forth between a code editor and the design view for site creation, then uploading your Web pages STRAIGHT to the web from inside the program!

A indispensable and rare feature of NVU is the option to display your pages in design view but also with EACH separate HTML/PHP/ASP etc. Tag beside each element of your site!

Open Office - Open Source Office Suite

http://www.openoffice.org/

OpenOffice is a superb, high function professional open-source downloadable office suite of programs, including writer, calc, impress, draw and base which are the equivalents of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Paint and Access, Available totally for free.

It compares pretty well with Microsoft Office's Home version, which would set you back £125 (or about £90 on eBay), best of all it is compatible with documents written and drawn up with the main Microsoft Office programs.

GIMPshop - Graphical Image Manipulation Program

http://plasticbugs.com/?page_id=294

GIMPshop is a modification of the free/open source graphics program GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP).

It has been designed to replicate the feel of Adobe Photoshop and make sure that users who have experience with photoshop will be familiar with the format and be able to just "Jump straight in".

GIMPshop comes highly recommended for those not willing to pay through the nose for a full copy of Photoshop, and who still require the same features and quality end product.