Media Plug-ins

• *Real Player (Free version)
• *QuickTime (Free version)
• *Adobe Reader (Free version)
• *Adobe Flash Player Download Center

File & Computer Utilities

• *Winzip (Evaluation Version)
• FileHippo Update Checker (free)
  The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases. These are then neatly displayed in your browser for you to download.
• CCleaner
  For clearing out the junk, nothing beats CCleaner. Fast and thorough this program will search out temporary files, useless folders, cookies, and the like and nuke them with just one click. It will do the same for your registry, but users are advised to use the built-in backup function before sweeping the registry….just to be safe!

Office Viewers and Applications

• Microsoft Office Online File Converters and Viewers
  Converters allow you to open files created by people using different versions of your Office programs. Viewers provide a means for people who don't have Office programs to see your work. You can provide them with the appropriate viewer along with your Office files. (Free version)
• *Windows Update
  Get the latest updates available for your computer's operating system, software, and hardware.
  Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you.(Recommended)
• *Microsoft Office Update
  Check for free updates that improve Office's stability and security.
• OpenOffice - Can't afford Microsoft Office? A multi-platform office productivity suite. It includes the key desktop applications, such as a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, and drawing program, with a user interface and feature set similar to other office suites. Sophisticated and flexible, OpenOffice.org also works transparently with a variety of file formats, including those of Microsoft Office. (Free version)
• KompoZer is a complete web authoring system that combines web file management and easy-to-use WYSIWYG web page editing. KompoZer is designed to be extremely easy to use, making it ideal for non-technical computer users who want to create an attractive, professional-looking web site without needing to know HTML or web coding.

Operating Systems

• Mac.com
• Linux
• Windows

Browsers

• Mozilla FireFox - With more than 15,000 improvements, Firefox 3 is faster, safer and smarter than ever before.
• Internet Explorer 7 - Internet Explorer 7 is a major step forward in ease of use and security. (Free version)
• Opera 9 - It's a fast, fun and easy way to browse the Web. Opera 9 comes loaded with the tools to keep you productive and safe. (Free version)

Tech Forums

• AnandTech
• BleepingComputer.com
• Cyber Tech
• CNet Forums
• Free PC Tech
• HardOCP
• Hardware Central
• PC Q&A
• PC Mechanic
• PC Perspective
• Sharkyextreme
• Suggest A Fix
• TechSpot
• Tek-Tips
• Tom's Hardware Guide Community
• The Tech Report

Other Resources

A collection of references whose collective purpose is to assist users in resolving technical issues and problems with computer hardware and software.

• ACS Data Recovery
• Computing.net
• Focus on PC Support
• Greyface
• Motherboards.org
• PCMechanic
• PC Pitstop
• PCTechGuide
• SupportFreaks.com
• Virtual Dr.

Anti virus and Spyware Protection

• avast! Antivirus
  The best free antivirus out there, in my opinion, avast! is thorough and unobtrusive. It updates itself and consumes minimum system resources, all the while offering your PC excellent protection. You will probably forget it's even installed until one day it pops up a warning that you just downloaded a virus and asks you what to do.
• AntiVir - The AntiVir Personal Edition offers effective protection against computer viruses for the individual and private use on a single PC-workstation.The private and individual use of the AntiVir Personal Edition is completely free of charge!
• ClamWin A Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and 2003. (Free version)
• Trend Micro House Call - Free Online Virus Scan. (Free version)
• Spybot - The best (according to PC World, PCMag.com, Download.com...) free privacy software available! (Free version)
• CounterSpy - A powerful anti-spyware tool that detects, deletes and protects your personal computer from a broad range of malicious software. It was chosen as PC WORLD 2005 BEST BUY, and is recommended by Dell. Free to try, $20 to buy.
• Ad-Aware Personal Advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. This software is downloadable free of charge. (Free version)

Graphics Viewer

• IrfanView A very fast, small, compact and innovative FREEWARE (for non-commercial use) graphic viewer for Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003. (Free version)
• XnView - Efficient multimedia viewer, browser and converter. (Free version)
• GIMP
  GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring.

Additional Software

• *Download SunJava
  Java Software for the Desktop. (Free version)
• Keyboard Tips and Shortcuts
  Here is a comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts that guarantee to make your life better!

Web sites

• c|net Download.com
• PC Hardware Driver Downloads
• WinDrivers
• ZDNet
• SourceForge - The world's largest development and download repository of Open Source code and applications.
• MajorGeeks - The front lines for cutting edge software
• SETI - SETI@home is a scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). You can participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data.
  

Manufacturer Resources

• AMD
• D-Link
• IBM
• Intel Processor Identification Tool
• Intel Support
• Kingston Ultimate Memory Guide