Digital Home Thoughts: What Are Your Essential Apps?

"We've put together a list of what we think are the most essential PC apps for every Maximum PC reader. These are all free programs (except one) that should be immediately installed after a fresh build or reformat; 32 indispensable programs and utilities that we couldn't imagine computing without. From the best IM client to FTP browser and Notepad replacement, these essentials truly enhance the Windows experience (much more so than Microsoft's own Windows LIVE Essentials). We're not saying you'd use all 32 entries in our list on a daily basis, but if you are at all serious about utilizing your PC, we promise our picks will not go unused."

Pretty good listing. I've got my own list of essentials which have a few in common with their list. When I set up a new PC, I install the following: AVG anti-virus, Spybot, Zone Alarm Free, OpenOffice, Firefox, Irfanview, and Miro. What is your list of essentials?