There is a ton of quality free software available on the Internet. Of course as with most free software, there usually is a “pay” version. I usually find that the free version is usually good enough for me. In no particular order, this section highlights some of the best software out there used for a variety of purposes.

  AVG Anti-Virus

If you are anti-Microsoft and do not want to install Microsoft Security Essentials, then AVG is a very good virus protection software alternative. You must choose only one virus scan software package, thus if you choose to install MS Security Essentials, then do not install AVG.

 SysInternals Suite

This is a suite of light weight programs that are so good, Microsoft bought the company. it contains must-have tools to diagnosing issues on your PC. There is an article dedicated to this suite and some of its more popular tools.

 Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft’s entry into the virus protection software market. You can’t beat the price. This is a full featured software which will compete with the likes of McAfee and Symantic if they keep price tag the way it is today. You must choose only one virus scan software package, thus if you choose to install AVG, then do not install MS Security Essentials.

 Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

There are a bunch of good free anti-malware software on the Internet. This one is one of the oldest and better tools.

 GIMP

This is a very good alternative to Adobe Photoshop especially when you consider that is is 100% free. If you or anyone in your family likes to create digital art, then they may love this software.

 K9 Web Protection

If you have kids, you should be concerned with what kind of content they may be exposed to out on the Internet. The folks at Blue Coat have put together a fantastic piece of software that will filter out the bad stuff and protect your children.

 WordPress Blog

If you are a little more advanced and want to start your own blog on the Internet then I reccomend WordPress. This site runs on WordPress and it is by far the best blogging software application (in my opionion).