switchers guide for xp/vista

do we have a switchers guide for windows? for all of those who dual boot but haven't used windows in years

i've found a few cool apps so far

internet browser: k-meleon
antivirus: AVG (not open-source but free)
archive utility: peazip
text editor: notepad++

anyone with other suggestions?

Browser: Firefox with adblock plus and noscript extensions.
archive utility: Zipcentral (free)
Firewall: Comodo (free)
anti spyware: Spybot search and destroy (free) adaware 2008 (Free)

Internet Browser: FireFox 3.0.1
Archive Utility: WinRAR and 7-Zip
Firewall: Windows already has a good one, you don't need another
Anti Spyware: Adaware 2008 or Norton AntiBot.

All of the above are free. Except for the Norton AntiBot, but you can get it from any warez site for free and it's safe.

Tarek said:

Internet Browser: FireFox 3.0.1
Archive Utility: WinRAR and 7-Zip
Firewall: Windows already has a good one, you don't need another
Anti Spyware: Adaware 2008 or Norton AntiBot.

All of the above are free. Except for the Norton AntiBot, but you can get it from any warez site for free and it's safe.

Click to expand...

That's not entirely accurate, the Windows firewall is OK, but it will NOT block port scans which can lead to some problems if you have a random port open for whatever reason. I suggest Comodo Firewall as The badmonkey suggested too, it's a learning firewall so it won't get in a lock-down mode on your own network. Get it here:

Free Firewall Software Download by Comodo

ErikJenkins1187 said:

That's not entirely accurate, the Windows firewall is OK, but it will NOT block port scans which can lead to some problems if you have a random port open for whatever reason. I suggest Comodo Firewall as The badmonkey suggested too, it's a learning firewall so it won't get in a lock-down mode on your own network. Get it here:

Free Firewall Software Download by Comodo

Click to expand...

I took The badmonkey's advice and switched from avg to comodo + adaware 08. firewall's make me cozy.

but what about other app's:

does everyone *really* use media player?
adobe isn't all that lightweight for a pdf reader
mail clients?
nothing really compares to mutt + offlinemap, but I doubt there's a port for that on xp