open source for windows
a relatively comprehensive lists of programs can be found here and here. below are some of my personal favorites,
- web browsing - mozilla | firefox
- email/IM - mozilla (email/IRC) | thunderbird (email) | gaim (IM)
- document creation - open office | lyx (WYSIWYG editor for TeX)
- CD ripping/burning - CDex (ripping) | burnatonce (burning)
- media players - VLC | winamp
- graphics - GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) | POVray (raytracing) impressive examples in the hall of fame
- sound - audacity (audio editing)
- file transfer/P2P - filezilla (FTP) | winSCP (scp/sftp) | gnucleus (file sharing)