[8-bit_Blaster]

The following five programs are some of my favorite staples to install on a fresh copy of Windows XP:

1) Notepad++

My favorite free, open source text editor. Gets the job done.

2) Mozilla Sunbird

Sunbird helps me keep track of what I have to do with calendar and to-do list features. Open source!

3) Google Picasa

Whether on Linux or Windows, I have yet to find a photo organizer and image manipulator that is as easy-to-use and feature-packed as Picasa.

4) 7-Zip

When it comes to [un]compression I like this one because it can do 7Z, ZIP, RAR, and GZ. Also open source!

5) KeePass

Great way of keeping track of hundreds of silly passwords and software serial numbers. Open source!