This page is mostly here for me to have as a reference when I need to add some programs to a fresh Windows XP install, but can serve well for others looking to do typical 'windows stuff' without all the spyware and cost of all the necessary software. I guess we'll just start with a basic list:
- Firefox - Say goodbye to popups, and hello to a small, powerful, standards compliant web browser. UI improvements include tabbed browsing (press ctrl-t, you'll see ;), and an integrated search menu (very slick and non-intrusive like most IE toolbars).
- Thunderbird - a very competent email client, very similar to Outlook Express, without all the security holes
- Azureus - a really good BitTorrent client; requires a good Java installation, but blends in well with windows and has tons of features
- SharpReader - an RSS Aggregator; if you don't know why you need it, you probably don't - but it's cool
- Shareaza - a good P2P app using the gnutella protocol without all the spyware of other P2P programs
- avast! - free anti-virus software for home use. Need I say more?
- Misc browser plugins for Firefox: Java for crazy web apps, Flash and Shockwave for viewing nifty animations