What Should I use then?

I am sometimes asked by people about software for their PC, particularly people I have helped reload software for after suffering some form of attack from malware etc....and from the cost concsious user, who like me, don't have a lot of cash to waste on expensive software!
so I have pieced together my recommendations....

Geoff's Recommended FREE Software for your Windows PC

Whether you just want to stay with Windows or you just have to run a Windows box for particular software you need, or just want to steer clear of expensive (Microsft office) and dangerous (read Microsoft OE and IE) software on your windows PC, I recommend and use this software on the Windows Boxes here at home......

Mozilla Firefox, Browser. Open sourced browser, less vunerable to attack than Internet Explorer and is FREE

Mozilla Thunderbird, Email. Open sourced Email program. Does not automatically open your mail when it downloads (as does Outlook Express when preview pane is enabled) which gives you an opportunity to screen for junk etc, has goodies like a “learning” junk mail filter . it too is FREE

Open Office 2, Office package. Open sourced office suite, compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, but its FREE! and works well. Can export your documents in PDF format also.

Zone Alarm, Firewall, award winning , far superioir to windows firewall. Basic firewall version is FREE. (can upgrade for a cost to higher levels of protection.)

AVG Free, antivirus software. Excellent FREE antivirus software. Has email checking.

Adaware and or Spybot Search and Destroy, to find and help you control adware, malware, spyware etc

All this software is free and hence fully legal to run on your PC without having to pay licencing fees or upfront purchase costs, and they all do an excellent job!, Better still if you use Firefox, Thunderbird and Open Office, you will be far less exposed to common exploits aimed at Billy Gates (Microsoft) software.

other free utilities you may wish to try are...

The GIMP, image manipulation software, FREE

Picasa, photo management software from Google, FREE.

Nvu, web page creation software, FREE

Be Security Wise. Of course there is no substitute for being vigilant and taking a close watch on what you are downloading and opening. Always look for the original software publishers download site if possible as some third party download sites will often add their spyware and malware to the download. Running a good firewall will protect you not only from attempts to access your PC from the outside world, but also help stop any spyware you may have on your PC from sending data back out from your PC to the writers of the spyware. Keep your windows installation up to date with security patches....enable automatic updates if you have a legitimate windows installation.

cheers
and Happy Personal Computing
Geoff