Wow, this is the first time I actually see a whole list of beautifully compiled and working software on the internet. Hmmm, wondering what am I talking about? Well, you can visit this website http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2006/12/01/30-essential-pieces-of-free-and-open-software-for-windows and see for yourself what I mean. I know the frustration of googling and yahooing the internet, and yet not being able to find what you are looking for. Or sometimes that software that you found is a shareware or a trial version. Urg, then you will really feel like screaming.

Ok, calm yourself now. I will give you a list of the softwares that are listed on this website.
1) Firefox – It’s a browser. For people who would like are tired of using Internet Explorer or who want to try something new, this is a very good browser. I have heard great reviews about this browser. Try it, its not bad. J
2) Thunderbird – It’s a lightweight online email client.
3) Sunbird – A calendar tool.
4) Abiword – A word processor tool.
5) OpenOffice – A free version of Microsoft Office.
6) ClamWin – An antivirus tool. Hmm, could be worth while to try it out. I have been looking for a new and free antivirus tool to use besides AVG.
7) Gaim – A MSN, Yahoo Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger tool.
8) BitTorrent – for downloading large files and peer to peer sharing tool.
9) GIMPShop – A free software just like Photoshop.
10) Gnucleus – runs just like LimeWire but no spywares. Cool
11) VLC Media Player – can run all types of files under 1 roof.
12) Juice – useful for users who have PodCasts
13) Audacity – for recording voices to PodCasts
14) RSSOwl – open source RSS reader
15) Filezilla – sounds like Mozilla. Well, as the name suggests, it’s a tool for users to FTP file to other computers.
16) Keynote – useful tool for taking down notes.
17) MusikCube – an alternative for tool instead of using iTunes.
18) Handbrake – download stuffs from DVD on to the hard drive.
19) X-Chat 2 – free IRC client.
20) KeePass – a password manager. Organizes your login ID and password in a secure manner.
21) TrueCrypt – an encryption tool.
22) PDFCreator – creates your word documents into a PDF file. A very useful tool for people who wants to create a PDF file and doesn’t know how to. This is a great tool.
23) Freemind – great tool for connecting ideas and great minds.
24) NASA Worldwind – a similar tool like Google Earth.
25) Notepad2 – an improved version of Notepad with additional useful features.
26) HealthMonitor – a tool to monitor the health of your computer.
27) Workrave – controls your work schedule. It will not let you overwork yourself, and you could enjoy yourself.
28) GanttPV – a tool similar to Microsoft Project, which is used to track projects and work schedule.
29) GnuCash – a simplified version of Microsoft Money or Quicken.
30) True Combat:Elite – a small combat game.

All these files are FREE no money needed to buy these softwares. You just need an internet connection to download these files, coz all these files are from open source. Meaning the source code is available to anyone with no hidden agenda and all updates to it are also FREE. Now that’s what I call a software worthwhile downloading and maintenance FREE.