Some of my favorite (free) programs:

ZoneAlarm, AdAware, Spybot, BelarcAdvisor, TweakUI
for a one click download of these programs go here:
http://www.komando.com/bestshareware.asp

ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM
AVG (free antivirus program)
http://www.grisoft.cz

PandaAntivirus ($20 antivirus program outshines Norton & McAfee)
http://www.pandasoftware.com

FIREWALL
ZoneAlarm (free firewall for personal use--you need a firewall if you're running XP/have cable or DSL connection)
http://www.zonelabs.com/

SPYWARE/ADWARE ELIMINATORS
AdAware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com

SpyBot (gets rid of the spyware files that are hi-jacking your home page)
http://security.kolla.de

Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/478900/8754158/968541/0/

SPYWAREBLASTER
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/

Alternative Browsers and Browser Helpers
Netscape   (latest free offering from AOL Netscape)
http://www.netscape.com

Opera   (ad-supported Free Version or a paid version)
http://www.operasoftware.com

Mozilla Firefox   (like Netscape only better--free)
http://www.mozilla.org

FreshDownload (integrates into your browser and manages your downloads-with resume if you get disconnected)
http://www.freshdevices.com

RoboForm (remembers passwords and fills out internet forms automatically)
http://www.roboform.com

FileZilla (best FTP client--Explorer like interface)
http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/filezilla

UTILITIES
EscapeClose   (Use the keyboard ESCAPE key to close programs instead of ALT-F4)
http://www.sanapesoft.com

WinKey   (Assign various shortcuts to your Windows Key)
http://www.copernic.com

End It All   (temporarily shuts down all programs running in the background)
http://www.zdnet.com      (search in the downloads section)

Startup Cop (permanently gets rid of programs running in the background)
http://www.pcmag.com/utilities (search)

Disk Cleaner (cleans up unneeded and temporary files after you're on the Intertnet)
http://www.xs4all.nl/~mp2004

Robo Form (stores username and password info)
http://www.roboform.com

Tweak UI (unsupported Microsoft Tweak User Interface)
this is on http://www.microsoft.com (you'll need to search)

MapOfChars (character map reader for fonts)
http://www.coolwintools.com

JRuler (an onscreen ruler tool)
http://www.spadixbd.com/freetools

Irfanview (a file viewer that puts QuickView to shame, can also place a file as wallpaper--I can't believe this is free!)
http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3000-2192-10223761.html?tag=lst-0-1

Driver Backup (backs up all your non-MS drivers--great for reinstalling Windows)
http://www.jermar.com/wdrvbck.htm

Installed Program Printer (prints out programs you have installed on your computer--great for reinstalling Windows)
http://www.judge-software.co.uk

TUNEUP YOUR COMPUTER AND BROWSER
PC Pitstop (online tune up of  your operating system)
http://www.pcpitstop.com

Browser Tune (online tune up for your browser)
http://www.browsertune.com

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COMPUTER

Belarc Advisor (lets you know all about your computer hardware and software)
http://www.belarc.com

Aida32 (lets you know all about your computer hardware and software)
http://www.aida32.hu

BEST EZINES

Kim Komando ezine Newsletter (always has good tips and sites) sign up here:
http://www.komando.com

Lockergnome ezine Newsletter (some good free programs here) sign up here:
http://www.lockergnome.com

And check this out:

$8.25 ISP
http://intergate.com