Antivirus. Avast antivirus (protects online browsing)
Antimalware Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is one of if not the best freeware antimalware.
CCleaner Temp and junk file cleaner, old settings remover, and registry cleaner. It's necessary for removing data from old useless settings, temporary user-system-and internet files, system junk files, useless leftover registry data from removed programs and normal everyday activity, etc. everything that reduces disk space and slows Windows down.
PDF Reader Adobe or Alternatives PDF-XChange is my favorite and many other people's.. It's the most downloaded of the 5 best rated freeware options.
http://lifehacker.com/5328211/five-best-pdf-readers
Alternative Web Browser. Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome or a Chrome alaternative such CoolNovo which imho is better.
Microsoft Office or Alternative.. in my experience Kingsoft Office Suite is better than most free alternatives. It can be set to resemble Office 2007-2013 or Office 2003 by default.
Java Basically necessary for some programs to work properly and some interacive webpages, read more about it here:
What is Java technology and why do I need it?
http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/whatis_java.xml
http://www.windowsbbs.com/other-pc-software/66418-java-really-necessary.html
Flash Player
Net Framework https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_vista-windows_programs/net-framework-is-this-program-necessary-for-my/f0dc82ab-11ef-49d7-b028-2973d85be7fa
File Compressor. WinRAR, WinZip, 7Zip, IZArk
http://lifehacker.com/5065324/five-best-file-compression-tools/all
Mail Client.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/essentials-other#essentials=overviewother
File Shredder. Shredds not only deletes files to best protect your personal data from prying eyes.
Alternative File Search. "Everything" File Search... Is an instant 0 seconds results search program unlike the default Windows search that needs time to find your files, specially usefull to find important lost files.
Revo Uninstaller. To uninstall programs and delete leftover registry data and files.
CD/DVD burner ImgBurn is a favorite among knowledgeable users.
System Information program such as Speccy or HWiNFO
ScreenShot program such as WinSnap free
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