I compiled a list of must-have free software tools for the home user or student:
- Foxit - Opens PDF Files Fast
- iTunes - Useful for Podcasts
- Hosts - Remove All Ads (Windows)
- Juice - Popular iTunes Replacement
- OpenOffice - Fast MS Office Clone
- gCalc - Replace Your Calculator
- GAIM - 11 Instant Messengers in 1
- RA - Replacement for Real Player
- GIMP - Powerful Image Editor
- Audacity - Powerful Audio Recorder
- ClamWin / FreeAV - Free AntiVirus
- Adaware / Spybot - Remove Spyware
- HTTrack - Download entire Websites
And of course I highly recommend Google's tools such as Gmail and Google Documents and Spreadsheets.