First off, their are really 3 main instant messenger programs, and you should have all 3 installed as they are all free. AIM Instant Messenger (most popular IM program), MSN messenger, and Yahoo messenger. Often you find someone who has one but not the other, so you need to have all 3 installed so you can talk or chat with that person. All 3 have video chat and file sharing also, and AIM even has pc to telephone calling, and even gives you a free telephone number for people to call from phone to your IM!

The next one is the browsers. Internet Explorer is already on your pc if you have Windows, if you are running a Mac then you probably are using the Safari browser. The other 2 big browsers that are free of course, are Firefox and Netscape. Both are free you can have all installed at the same time, they have different features so you may find you like them better.

Skype is another free program that is popular, it is now owned by Ebay. Skype allows pc to pc phone calls, and also internationally. Of course you can do this with AIM instant messenger also, but Skype is a very popular program that is also free (you can purchase add on things for it later if you want, but the main program and calling is free).

Free spyware removers, the 2 big names here are Adaware and Spybot search and destroy. Both are very good and are both free. You can install and run both of them.

Free antivirus software, one of the best known is Avast. Also, if you happen to be an AOL customer then you already get free antivirus from them for free.

This site provides a list of interesting subjects, tips, and tricks. Although it is mostly computer tips, there are also tips and tricks related to various other helpful topics besides just computers. If you have an important tip that you think should be listed, feel free to post it below. Although I still take tips via email, I often scan and review posts on the page below and prefer that method.