Top 10 Software Titles Every Home PC Needs?

eabell asks: "I'm buying a new mid-grade laptop computer, which I plan to dual-boot between Windows XP Home and Mandrake 9.x. Before its arrival in a few weeks I'm trying to think of what 'essential' software I'll need to make a usable home system. In general I'd like to spend as little money as possible (free is good). As far as my needs, think 'typical family PC' without an emphasis on gaming. I know I can get something like Open Office for word processing, presentation, etc. needs, but is there such a good thing as a good free virus checker? A good free email client? A handy web browser? What would you consider the top 10 (or so) pieces of software for a new home system, bearing in mind that I need software for both the Windows and Linux side of things?"

Comments

Free A/V

[sheddd]

I like Grisoft.

Top 10 for Mac OS X?

[TibbonZero]

While we are at it... what does everyone need for OS X? Here's my list:

Msft Office (newest version)

Safari (why use IE?)

Dreamweaver

Quicken

Limewire

Photoshop 7.0

Final Cut Pro

Reason

Protools

Those are just personally what I need to operate well with it... I know those aren't for everyone. I can't even remember what i used on a PC hardly...

This must be said

[c0rruptc0d3]

Does this really need to be front page news? I'm sure this has been said already and I apologize for being redundant but come on here. "I'm building a home pc which will have windows and (insert linux build here to sound credible) what apps should I have in it for my family free is good." This probably could have been answered by searching google or any other resource. Must be a real slow day for news.

Total Commander

[UfoZ]

Total Commander
Personally, I can't tolerate the pathetic excuse for a file manager that is Windows Explorer.

And while we're at it, Cygwin is a handy thing to have.

As for the rest, everyone has their own preferences for image viewer, text editor, universal IM client, IRC client, etc etc etc.