Free Desktop and Productivity software

FoxIt Reader 3
A lightweight alternative to Adobe Reader, FoxIt opens PDF files in a matter of seconds. Despite its small size, the program is packed with features and the latest version includes a handy add-on for Firefox that lets you view PDFs directly inside in a browser tab. An optional OnDemand Content Management add-on lets users share and collaborate on documents over the internet.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista
File size: 3.68MB
Download: FoxIt Reader 3

OpenOffice.org 3
A superb free alternative to Microsoft Office, this productivity suite consists of a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation creator, vector-drawing program and database. The software saves files in the OpenDocument format by default, but can read and write to the standard Microsoft Office formats and also open documents saved in Office 2007’s XML format.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista and Mac
File size: 142MB
Download: OpenOffice.org 3

Evernote 2.2
This nifty note-taking tool lets you write down ideas and things to remember, clip and store content from emails and web pages, and attach photos. It 'reads' and indexes words found in images (even handwriting) so you can quickly type in some keywords to find the item you want. Saved content can be accessed remotely over the web and on mobile devices such as phones and PDAs.
Minimum requirements: Windows XP/Vista or Mac
File size: 54.6MB
Download: Evernote 2.2