OpenOffice.org 3 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages. It can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for any purpose.

AVG Free provides you with basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows and is available to download for free.

• The most downloaded software on CNET's Download.com
• Protection against viruses and spyware (antivirus and antispyware)
• Fast, effective security that is kind on resources
• Compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista

With Skype’s free software you can chat away with free Skype-to-Skype calls and never worry about cost, time or distance. Skype isn’t just about free Skype-to-Skype calls and nice, cheap local, national and international calls to phones and mobiles. You can also do much, much more.

Picasa is a software download from Google that helps you organize, edit, and share your photos. It's free, and easy to use.

• Organize and view your entire photo collection in one place
• Edit pictures, crop, fix red-eye, and more
• Create stunning collages and slideshows
• Share online with family and friends using Picasa Web Albums

Free open-source disk encryption software for Windows Vista/XP, Mac OS X, and Linux

 Main Features:

• Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
• Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.
• Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).
• Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
• Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
  
  1) Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operating system.
  
  2) No TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data).
• Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Mode of operation: XTS.

  Further information regarding features of the software may be found in the documentation.