I thought I would continue the theme of freeware (okay, maybe it’s not a theme with just one article on free/entry-level programs) with a list of other useful programs. Um, wasn’t the economy getting better? Or did I hear the rumors wrong? There seem to be layoffs happening left and right. I guess it gets worse before it gets better, as the saying goes, eh? Hopefully this list will start the path to better…

FREE WEB APPLICATIONS
Mozilla Firefox: Close on the heels of Internet Explorer, Firefox just celebrated it’s fifth birthday. Firefox is fast, more secure than Internet Explorer, available across multiple platforms (Windows, Macintosh and Linux) and also has advanced bookmarking capabilities. It remembers yours recently closed tabs (in case your mouse accidentally clicked the “x”) and also restores your sessions after a crash. If that’s not enough, Firefox also comes with exciting customizations and Easter eggs.
Find it for download here: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox.

Google Chrome: An up and coming browser, it just might be faster than Firefox. Developed from scratch, it was designed with the modern-day user in mind. It has a clean, simple interface and “lightens” your computer load. If you are switching to Chrome, it will automatically detect your previous  browser and prompt you to import those same settings and bookmarks. PCWorld gives a good write-up of the product. Eventually, there will also be Mac and Linux versions.
Find it for download here: http://www.google.com/chrome.

FREE GRAPHIC and IMAGE APPLICATIONS
Jing: Aside from being a cleverly disguised marketing tool for Screencast.com and Camstasia Studio, Jing is actually a nifty lil’ screen capture program. The program appears as a yellow sun that clings to the top of your monitor: super neat design. When activated, the sun spurs three flares, each accessing a certain function of the program: capture, history and settings. Jing also allows the ability to enhance your image captures. Simple things like text, frames and arrows can be added without having to use another graphic editing program. There are a few annoyances and limitations… like how it only captures video to a Flash file unless you buy the Pro version or have Camstasia Studio. It also adds a Jing ad at the end of your video file. And so far, I have found it difficult to find a program that will successfully convert the Jing-created Flash file to another video format. But as a free program, I can’t complain too much. CNET has a great video review for the program if you are itching for more insight.
Find it for download it here: http://www.jingproject.com/download.

Wisdom-soft ScreenHunter: Another screen capture program, ScreenHunter does not record any video. However, it’s fantastic for images. It’s a simple, quick and easy to use program. ScreenHunter captures in three different modes: a rectangular area, an active window or the full screen. A simple hotkey makes for easy on-the-fly capturing and it even has a timer to delay the capture, just like a regular camera. For more ease and convenience, it also automatically names your captured files.
Find it for download here: http://www.wisdom-soft.com/sh/sh_free.htm

Other applications: Mashable has great list of free graphics programs. It includes graphic editing programs like Paint.net and GIMP which top more lists created by others.

OFFICE APPLICATIONS
OpenOffice: Think… an open source Microsoft Office. You know, like how people respond better and love things created by other people who are similar to themselves? A package of programs similar to Microsoft Office, OpenOffice is developed, translated, supported and promoted by an international community of its own users. Although I haven’t personally used it myself, it’s topped a few best free app lists. OpenOffice describes why you should use their product here.
Find it for download here: http://www.openoffice.org.

Google Documents: Immerse yourself in a world that Google dominates. Complete the circle of Google products you use with the web-based program that replaces your word processor, spreadsheet program and presentation creator. It’s simple, mimics Microsoft Word and Excel (I have yet to test any presentation documents) and is integrated into your GMail. I sometimes find it a good solution to my laziness: just a couple of clicks and edit (or view) that attachment within your web browser. Why bother opening up another program when you just want to see something real quick? Take a Google Docs Tour to learn more.
Start using it here: http://docs.google.com.

AUDIO/VIDEO PLAYBACK APPLICATIONS
Windows Media Player: Honestly, I haven’t played much with audio/video playback programs. I’ve always used the pre-packaged Windows Media Player and lived by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto when it came down to it. Laziness is to blame. But Windows Media Player automatically searches for proper codecs and plays everything I need it to. When it doesn’t, Quicktime usually does the trick. Windows Media Player also syncs to my mp3 player automatically. It basically comes down to the simplicity that I’m satisfied with the program and have no need for a change. Even after playing with iTunes, I think I still prefer Windows Media Player.
Find it for download here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/default.aspx.

Winamp: Okay, there was another time where I succumbed to downloading another playback program. But, it was only because Winamp was all the rage and it’s hard not to conform to what everyone else around you is doing. It’s been more years than I want to admit, but I remember Winamp being a great program. It was quick to load, small (unlike the giant interface Windows Media Player opens up with), simple and customizable (skins are fun!). It still seems to be that way now, but with more features and abilities from the last time I’ve used it. And since it tops a few lists as well (see below for some links), I’d say Winamp is still raging. Check out a full list of current features.
Find it for download here: http://www.winamp.com/media-player.

Other applications: To be a bit more helpful, here are a few lists I scrounged up to assist you in making a more informed media player choice.

Do you have any free programs that  you use regularly? Favorites? Black lists? Share your experiences with us. Hit that comment button, we’re aching to hear more from our readers! Also check out a couple of similar articles: My Favorite Free and Open Source Software | Our Freeware Recommendations.