When you format your hard drive and reinstall your operating system, the next step is usually to install all updates and essential programs such as antivirus and antispyware programs and maybe a firewall. Then, you’ll probably install media players, codecs, games and all the programs that you’ll use regularly. Over time however, you may need to install additional applications, be it for work or entertainment. Will you know where to find them? If you don’t know better, you’ll just spend money to buy more software. But maybe you don’t have to do it.

Do you realize that there are hundreds of programs on the Internet that are free for download and use, but some people just don’t know they exist? I found a great site, Freeware Mission, which lists and reviews free programs almost every day, and often you’ll even find links to the download location. They are mostly very useful programs that can replace some of the software you bought or intend to buy.

I made a following list of programs that I think are very useful to every PC user. For more choice and download links, please visit Freeware Mission. After all, everyone’s requirements and preferences are different and I’m sure you’ll find additional programs that you’ll like.

Here is my list:

• Video Converter MeGUI
• DVD burning software Starburn
• DVD Shrink to backup and copy DVDs
• Video Editing software Virtual Dub
• Any Audio Converter
• Orbit Downloader to download Youtube videos
• Winamp for playing audio and video files
• Comodo Firewall
• Memtest to test your RAM
• AVG, AntiVir and Avast antivirus programs
• Spybot Search & Destroy and Spyware Terminator to protect against spyware
• VLC player, which will play almost any video