I have talked before what a fan I am of open source software. Here’s a list nice list: 21 Awesome (But Lesser Known) Open-Source Applications For Windows. Fairly surprised Filezilla is on this list, I would call that one of the better known open-sourch apps.
Not on the list, but one I have started using again: Pidgin a GTK+ instant messaging application for Windows and Unix. It supports AIM, ICQ, Jabber/XMPP, MSN, Yahoo!, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, QQ, SILC, SIMPLE and more. Basically one instant message client for all your needs. Also comes with an optional spell checker. Great for people like… you know, me. 
I am a huge fan of Open Source Software. Why pay for software when you can get equal or often better software for free. Although for job reasons I have yet to get around to switching to Linux, every day I use at least one Open Source program and usually more than one. A few of my favorites are: FileZilla FTP client, NVU html editor, and of course my favorite of all FireFox. Here is a roundup of many other Open Source alternatives.
Irfanview the FREEWARE graphics viewer I use every day, has been updated. Version 4.10 includes a new paint feature to go with the other simple image editing features (crop, resize, etc) already included. Certainly not meant to replace a program like Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro but a nice FREE tool for quick and easy image editing. Did I mention it was FREE! Check it out…
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