7-Zip is a free, Open Source archiving software that supports many of the common archiving formats. Because 7-Zip is open source, there are no nag screens or annoying trial periods with the software. This is a great alternative to the pricey WinZip archiver program.

Some of the formats 7-Zip recognizes are:

• Packing / unpacking: 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR
• Unpacking only: RAR, CAB, ISO, ARJ, LZH, CHM, Z, CPIO, RPM, DEB and NSIS

Mozilla FireFox is the most recommended Internet Browser to use over Internet Explorer. Features include tabbed browsing, addons (or plugins), theming (changing the skin or look and feel) along with may other caveats not available in Internet Explorer.

The main reason FireFox stands out among one of the top web browsers is due to it's robust security measures which help eliminate the possible threats of adware, spyware and malware which is usually generated from using Internet Explorer.

We recommend the link on the right side of the screen to download FireFox with Google Toolbar.

OpenOffice.org is a free office productivity suite, similar to Microsoft Office, for hundreds of dollars less. (literally!). Open Office includes word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, vector art graphics editing & mathematical formulas.

Even though the look and feel is quite similar to Microsoft Office, the software itself takes some time to get used to. If you are a basic "Office" user, OpenOffice.org is the productivity suite for you!

PDF Creator is a free software that allows you to 'print to pdf'. This is a great alternative to the costly Adobe Acrobat if you are only interested in generating a PDF file without needing to change it.

Once a PDF is created, it can be sent via email to a respective recipient, or used as a means of archiving files. PDF Creator will print anything that can be printed and provides a wide variety of customizable features.