I am constantly getting asked what is the “best” software for a certain task, so I have compiled this list of free software that gets installed on every Windows XP computer I use. This is the free software I have settled on after years of trial and error so it could save you many hours of searching and testing. If you think there is something missing from the list or just plain disagree with a selection please leave a comment as there is bound to be something I have not heard of or thought of.

The main criteria for software to make the list:

1. It must use minimal system resources.

2. The default install must work with no major configuration needed.

3. It must be easy to use with a clear intuitive interface.

4. One nagbox during startup is the absolute maximum.

5. No spyware or unwanted software extras.

6. It must be free to use.

Must Have Free Windows Software

AVG Antivirus:  An unobtrusive email and file scanner that does not hog resources and never crashes. Couple it with ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall to keep your data secure.

Chrome: Some think this browser is ugly and I would find it hard to disagree, but it starts faster than Firefox so I associate .html files with Chrome just to save time when I click web links. It also spell checks by default so I use chrome to compose email and post on forums to avoid those embarrassing spelling mistakes.

DAEMON Tools Lite: This is a CD/DVD-rom emulator. Use it to mount ISO and other disk images you have downloaded without burning actually burning them to CD/DVD.

FileZilla: I have tried many FTP programs but FileZilla keep finding myself returning this old faithful.

Firefox: Still my favourite browser with the best look and plugin support by far.

Foxit PDF reader: Foxit’s PDF reader is small, fast and displays PDF’s which is everything you want a PDF reader to do and nothing more.

GIMP: This image editing software is  a worthy replacement for Photoshop doing everything I could possibly want to do with an image.

iTunes: For iPod owners this is still the best audio player I have found. It’s true that there are many other free media players that are better than iTunes but I am yet to find one that sync’s my iPod.

Notepad++: Simply the best text editor available whether you are just viewing text files or a full fledged programmer.

PDF Creator: I’ve met people that have been forced to pay for this sort of software because they couldn’t find this free alternative. I’ve also met more than a few apple fan boys that claim only a mac can save files as a PDF. Don’t believe them, this software will allow your PC to save files as PDF’s just as well as any mac.

Pidgin: If you want to chat with all your friends with one single program then Pidgin is my pick. It connects with every chat protocol I have ever heard of including AIM, Bonjour, Google Talk, ICG, IRC, MSN, MySpace, XMPP, Yahoo and even more I haven’t even heard off.

PrintScreen: Gadwin’s PrintScreen is the best freeware screen capture utility I have used. All the other utilities I have used are either clunky, buggy or commercial but with PrintScreen you can take full screen, single window or selected area with ease.

Open Office: The latest version of Open Office is a more than adequate substitute for Microsoft office.

Statbar: This one may not be a must have but I can’t live without it.  Statbar is a resource meter that places a customizable toolbar at the top of the screen. You can configure it to show RAM and CPU usage, incoming and outgoing network traffic as well as a master volume control and other settings.

TClock Light: Another one that probably isn’t and absolute must have but again I couldn’t live without it.  The best feature is it’s ability to display the full date and time in the System Tray but it does other handy stuff like custom mouse functionality  and start button/menu customization.

uTorrent: If you download using Bittorrrent this program is a must have, nothing even comes close. It is small, fast and highly configurable.

VLC Media Player: If windows media player can’t play a file, VLC media player is almost guaranteed to play it. Open-source and cross platform it will work on Windows, Mac, Linux and even BeOS.

ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall:  This firewall is an oldie but a goodie. It does not ask too many questions, has an intuitive interface and works well with all the default settings. Be careful to download ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall, because the website does a great job of tricking you into downloading a trial version of their full paid product. To get the free version go to the Download & Buy menu then Free Downloads then click the ZoneAlarm Basic Firewall link, then click the Download Now icon below the Download Basic Firewall text.