Software Alternatives

[Malice]

Here is a list of software alternatives for the typical commercial software (most you have to pay for) and the free alternatives that exist. These are the ones I personally use.
(Please note, each application has different capabilities, not all software replacements are perfect, you will have to judge for yourself. But those listed are extremely CLOSE matches if not almost perfect in nature.)

Word Processing
Microsoft Word should be replaced by OpenOffice
- OpenOffice - http://www.openoffice.org

Spreadsheet
Microsoft Excel should be replaced by OpenOffice
- OpenOffice - http://www.openoffice.org

Database
Microsoft Access should be replaced by OpenOffice
- OpenOffice - http://www.openoffice.org

Presentation
Microsoft Powerpoint should be replaced by OpenOffice
- OpenOffice - http://www.openoffice.org

Email
Microsoft Outlook should be replaced by Thunderbird
NOTE - Unfortunately there is no replacement for Microsoft Outlook if you use it for connecting to a Microsoft Exchange Server, if you use it for simply email, then use my preferred software Thunderbird
- Thunderbird - http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird
- Eudora - http://www.eudora.com

Web Browser
Microsoft Internet Explorer should be replaced by Firefox
- Firefox - http://www.mozilla.com/firefox
- Opera - http://opera.com

Text Editor
Microsoft Notepad should be replaced by Crimson Editor
- CrimsonEditor - http://www.crimsoneditor.com

Audio Player
Microsoft Media Player should be replaced by WinAmp
- WinAmp - http://www.winamp.com

Video Player
Microsoft Media Player should be replaced by Media Player Classic
- Media Player Classic - http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Media_Player_Classic.htm

Graphics Editor
Photoshop should be replaced by GIMP
- GIMP - http://www.gimp.org

Graphics Viewer as a viewer only
Microsoft Paint should be replaced by Irfanview
- Irfanview - http://www.irfanview.com

Instant Messenger
Microsoft Instant Messenger should be replaced by Trillian
- Trillian - http://www.ceruleanstudios.com
- Gaim - http://gaim.sourceforge.net

AntiVirus
Symantec or Mcaffee or others should be replaced by AVG Free Edition
- AVG Free Edition - http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
- Clam Antivirus for Windows - http://www.clamwin.com

File Compression
none should be replaced by WinZip
- WinZip - http://www.winzip.com
- WinRar - http://www.rarlab.com
- 7Zip - http://www.7-zip.org

FTP Client
none should be replaced by FileZilla
- FileZilla - http://filezilla.sourceforge.net

 

[Da Docta]

iChat should be replaced by Adium

 

[Jason Blood]

I would say that Winace should be up there for compressed files

 

[Mixairian]

For AIM, I suggest AIM Ad Hack. Leaves AIM exactly as it is minus the advertisements and added spyware:
http://aftermath.dyndns.org:8888/~aimadhack/