I spent years experimenting with free software, and these are the programs I believe to be the best. They're all 100% legally free, but that doesn't necessarily mean inferior to paid software, because this collection is just amazing. I really recommend that you guys try these programs listed below:
- Seamonkey all-in-one internet application suite
- AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
- FileZilla FTP Client
- Cerulean Studios Trillian
- OpenOffice.org
- VLC media player
- Stepmania
Reviews and more information about the software I have selected available on my blog post about it:
http://www.clairechiang.net/2008/11/17/top-free-applications/
I guarantee you will not be disappointed with the capabilities of these programs.