I use
I recommend you do the same. In fact I recommend people not to buy a computer with MS Windows on unless they are going to replace it with GNU/Linux.
Though many of the applications that run under GNU/Linux also have version that runs on MS Windows and although many run better as native GNU/Linux applications they are worth using under Windows if you are sticking to using MS Windows as Operating System.
New PCs with GNU/Linux pre-installed can be bought from DNUK. I also previously bought a PC from now dissolved EfficientPC in 2008
This page has become out of date but may still be useful.
For a web browser and email for long time I used Mozilla
Although now mostly use KDE applications, such as Kmail, Konqueror and Kword, with GNU/Linux.
For making a local copy of a website I have used WinHTTrack
With first pc of my own I started with using Lotus Word Pro but have since used Open Office, Abiword and Kword. And before sending me a document in MS Word Format read this.
If you wish to create PDF files from any windows application that prints the use PDF Creator
Also their are free software alternatives for reading PDFs:
If you are fed up typing try Dasher (but for me was just a brief novelty
Text editor: Notepad2
I used to use CDex CD ripper but it no longer seems under development.
I tend to have my music collection ripped into Ogg Vorbis format
Under MS windows I use VLC player
I have used the Audacity audio recorder and editor.
For tagging audio files check out Music Brainz or try MP3-Tag.
I have in past used Media sharing software (P2P). I used to use Grokster but advise against it, as it contains spyware trogen, crap adverts, extra installs not needed etc. I have tried Gnucleus which was better, but also check out Shareaza
TuxPaint is fun (for kids).
Often programs come as compressed zip archives these can be opened with the free 7zip.
I used to put this software and much more on cdroms for friends which uses as a base TheOpenCD.
but check out the: Windows Toolbox, but now with most having access to broadband to download latest versions of free software, giving out cds has fallen by wayside.
If you need to reset password for MS windows system (NT based eg XP) then check out boot disk to do this.
For Screensavers try:
http://interface.t0.or.at/virtual/vp06.html
To let you computer do some work while you are not and maybe want you computer to simulate folding proteins in it's spare time and help advance human knowledge:
GNU/Linux is the way to go.
Free Programmers', Webmasters' and Security Resources
I used to have a link to QNX for web surfing from a single floppy but they have stopped offering this download but get in touch if you want a copy.
Overview and News of Linux distributions
http://www.opensource.apple.com/projects/documentation/howto/html/osxsmb.html
GNU software on MacOS X
http://developer.apple.com/darwin/
http://people.debian.org/~branden/ibook.html
http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/
Linux can even go on old macs.
also see GNU/linux , free software , internet
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