Here is a list of free tools recommended by Bassett Creek Technologies. We use many of these products internally on an everyday basis.
SugarSync, Carbonite, Mozy, or Dropbox Online backup software. Your hard drive will crash eventually. Be prepared with one of these tools that backup your files to a safe location online.
Microsoft Security Essentials Free anti-virus. Runners up in this category are Avast and AVG. Note: make sure you're using only one anti-virus program on your computer at any one time.
Spybot Search & Destroy or Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Both of these tools will detect and remove malicious software that may be on your computer. You can use one or both of these programs on the same computer, though don't run detection scans at the same time.
Google Chrome - Are you using Internet Explorer to view this page right now? Google Chrome is a great alternative web browser, providing much quicker performance and tighter security than Internet Explorer, along with a huge collection of browser plug-ins and extensions. Runner-up in this category is Mozilla Firefox.
Picasa - Google's photo-management software is one of the better ways to organize and share your photos. Don't expect Photoshop functionality here, but Picasa does a great job for a free tool.
Evernote - Take notes on just about anything, whether it's text, sounds, or pictures. Sync these notes across computers, cell phones, and the web.
Digsby - Do you have several instant messenger programs (Google Talk, AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger) running on your computer at the same time? Combine all of their functionality into one program with Digsby. Also works with Facebook chat.
Pandora - Rather than listening to the same old collection of music stored on your computer, why not give Pandora radio a try? This Internet radio service serves up personalized music that it thinks you would like based on your prior listening habits.
Skype - Use Skype to make free audio/video calls to other Skype users. You can also call regular phones around the world from Skype, usually for only a few cents per minute.
