This page lists software that is widely used, or that I found very useful.  The most commonly used software is listed first.

Note: The "Freedom Articles" page was written more recently than this page. The information there is more up-to-date.
Anti-virus/computer security (NON-FREE).  Purchase one IMMEDIATELY.  Not having a good one is definitely an accident waiting to happen.  New computers generally come with one installed (usually McAfee).  It's fine, but I prefer Norton 360, have used it for years, my computers has have never been infected. Warning:  360 has an "identity safe" that will remember and insert website passwords, but this feature only works with the 32-bit version of IE.  Note:  most anti-virus progs will scan your computer periodically.  You should run the FULL SCAN every week or so (it'll slow down your computer for several hours). Some have backup programs, I prefer to subscribe to "Backblaze", an internet backup program. It's totally automatic, once set up. "backup early and backup often" (especially if you (foolishly) haven't yet installed a UPS.  To paraphrase the dentist flossing joke, "you only need to backup the files you don't want to lose".

Notepad.  Basic text editor.  Comes free with windows - great.  Lets you easily make notes, type simple letters, make minor changes to HTML web pages.  Easy to use, can print.  Limited formatting options,  Output:  .txt files.

Wordpad.  Intermediate text editor.  Free with WIndows (listed under "accessories").  Will allow you to insert and use hyperlinks and pictures.  Pictures can be resized.  Simpler than Word.  Output: .rtf files.

Google Calendar.  Lets you manage your schedule.  Has many features, including recurring events, selectable display format, can sync with ipad/iphone.  WIndows can show calendar display at startup.

Microsoft Office.   Software package that contains Word, Excel,  Access, Powerpoint, Outlook. Different versions are available (with widely varying prices), depending on which parts you need (or want).  Access has a fairly high learning curve, especially if you "customize".  Office is pretty much the industry standard. Discounts are available for students or teachers. Office is now bundled as Office 365. This includes all programs in office, can be loaded on up to 5 computers, and is $100/year, which includes updates. GREAT VALUE if you use more than one module, or more than one computer!!
 
Word.   Word processor - professional level features.  Lets you write letters, insert resizeable pictures, print mailing labels/envelopes, produce mailing lists.  Fairly high learning curve.  Output:  .docx files.

Excel.  Prepares a page (spreadsheet) showing numbers that are interrelated, such as a budget, analyzing financial impact of buying a new house, etc.  Very useful for home financial planning.  All numbers get recalculated when anything changes.  Has built in functions for calculating mortgate payments, etc.
 
Powerpoint.  Presentation.  Prepares slide shows (combining pictures, text).  I use this occasionally.
 
Access.  Database pogram.  Stores lists.  Lets you store complicated info, such as personal contact into or mailing lists, descriptions of computer music/video file collections.  There are easier to use specialized programs , such as Itunes (music).  I use (and customize) Microsoft Access, but it has a very high learning curve.
 
Outlook.  Mail and calender.  I had problems with calender, now use gmail and google calender, which are web-based, free, and easily sync between all your computers, ipad, and iphone. 
 
Itunes (free).  Best way to organize stored music.  Has many features to load portable devices.
 
Adobe photoshop elements.  $100 list, but is discounted. Downloads/ edits/organizes photos from your camera.  EXCELLENT program.  MUCH cheaper than Adobe Photoshop, and has all the features most of us need for photos. 
Some of the following programs are useful, some are just "fun".  Most are available for both Apple and PC, some also for IPAD.  I've tried to list them in order of general usefullness. The ones near the end may only interest the "nerds" (of which I am one).  To download them, just google their names.  I recommend the developer's website, cnet, or Tucows for downloading them.  You should have a GOOD (non-free) anti-virus program installed before downloading anything else.  Some programs are difficult to install, but free phone tech support is available.  Don't agree to take any of the "frebies" you'll get offered while you download.  They'll clutter up your coputer, and some will cause problems.

Google Earth (free).  Amazing program shows closeup  photos of the earth.  Goodle Sky explores the universe.

Google Drives (Free for 5 GB storage).  Easy way to share files over the internet between all your computers (anywhere in the world).   (there's an IPAD app).

SmartFTP($40 home edition): If you have a website on the internet, DON'T USE the windows FTP command to update it. SmartFTP is MUCH MUCH easier to use, and works very well!! For one thing, it remembers the address of your website and opens it automatically when you execute it. Also, some "experts" say the FTP command has problems.

  Inssider(free).  Displays WIFI signal strength. You can use your laptop to find weak points in WIFI coverage, and move your extender (if you have one)  or laptop to maximize reception. Click on it's tab "2.4 ghz channels" to show the graph.

Programs used to prepare tutorials:  For more information, see page "Prepare Video Tutorials" also See Playlist:  How To Record Video Tutorials .

Camstudio-Recorder (Free).  Records computer desktop with sound in AVI format.
Debut Video Capture Software ($40) from NCH Software. Records computer desktop with sound in many formats, including MP4. Very reliable, many features. I recommend Debut over Camstudio.
Prism Video File Converter ($35) from NCH Software.  Converts AVI to MP4 files, reducing the file size by up to 99% (not a typo).
Cyberlink Power Director 16 Ultra.  Video editor. Combines, splits, trims videos.  Includes Screen Recorder to record computer desktops.

Licensing note. Most software licenses for purchased software allow you to install the programs on either 1, 2, or 3 computers, but you should check. An extra fee is charged for a license that lets you install a program on multiple computers (eg. home + laptop + work computer).

Shop around. You may find huge discounts if you search. "Trial" versions are a good way to try out a program.  They may be free or very cheap.  They will expire in 2 weeks or so, and may have limited features.  When they expire (if you like them), you can license (and pay for) them.  Buy from a reputable website to avoid knockoffs (and to keep from downloading viruses)