Many of you are all anti-corporate until it comes to the computers. I would like to offer some free alternatives to common software that you need to exist as a computer user in the 2000s.
--WEB
I would like to offer some free, open source alternatives.
The most important switch is the switch to a free browser that supports standards, has tabbed broswing, is fast as can be, and has the ability to protect your privacy, as well as, to block pop-ups. It works identical on Mac OSX, windows, and Linux. IE is no longer going to be the cross-platform browser that it once was, as they have cut all development of their browser for OS X.
The browser you want was called Mozilla FireBird but has now changed its name to Mozilla Firefox. Grab a free copy its amazing.
In the future I will be designing all versions of this site specifically targeting that browser. I will put a link to download it on the front page.
Here is a link to a great review of that browser
--Office Suite Software
For the the office suite I would switch to OpenOffice. It is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux and is nearly identical on all platforms. The address to get it is

- note it is a large download but very fast.
--Design Software
For a Photoshop substitute I suggest the Gimp.

the windows 32 version can be forund here