Freeware:

Windows:
AVG Free- A great anti-virus for those of you protecting on the dime. AVG offers all the security, without all the more advanced features, like web shield, anti-rootkit, identify protection, firewalls, anti-spam, and free support.

Mcafee site advisor- A free web browser tool bar that protects your browsing. MSA will ad an icon next to links to let you know if the site is credible, and safe.

DVD Decrypter- A quick and easy way to back up your DVD’s from loss. It works easy, and very straight forward to use.

Trillian- A great free way to chat on Windows Live, Yahoo, MyspaceIM, AIM, Gtalk, ICQ, Jabber, SKype, IRC, and manage email, facebook and Twitter. Works on windows, iPhone and Web!

Gimp- Want a free way to manipulate images? Gimp can edit tiff’s, jpgs, gifs, pngs, and psds!

CO2 Saver- Do you consider yourself green? Want to become greener? Use Co2 Saver to manage how much power your computer uses! Easily track how much CO2 your computer has created. Help keep the world green, use CO2 Saver.

Mac:
Cyberduck- This is for you web developers out there. Cyber duck is a great way to manage an FTP server from a mac.

Carbon Copy Cloner- Help prevent catastrophic system loss by backing up your back with CCC. It will create a Carbon Copy of your hard drive, and allow quick restores.

iStumbler- Are you curious what wireless networks are available? Use iStumbler to find details about all wireless networks around you.

Both:
Audacity
FIREFOX!
Google Chrome
Open Office
Handbrake
Google Earth
Rocket Dock
TrueCrypt- Have files you can’t let anyone see? Bank Records? Dirt on your room mate? Then True Crypt is for you. It creates a file vault to keep all your private information safe. Don’t let your nosy neighbor find your personal records. Use TrueCrypt.