TextPad (Helios Software Solutions) - http://www.textpad.com/
The greatest Windows text editor ever. I use it to work with pretty much every type of text-based file. It also serves as my ANSI code lookup and Java compiler. The shell integration, block selection mode, syntax highlighting, hexadecimal capability and macros add value on top of that. This is normally the first application I install when sitting down with a new or shared PC.
(Shareware)
Firefox (Mozilla Corporation) - http://www.firefox.com/
A great browser by all means, but what really sets Firefox on the pedestal is a few of the extensions that can be easily added to the application...
FireFTP (Mime Cuvalo) - Likely the best FTP client I've ever used. Integrates into Firefox quite nicely! (Freeware)
Foxmarks (Foxmarks Inc.) - Bookmark synchronization addon. The easiest way to share between work and home. (Freeware)
WinRAR (Eugene Roshal) - http://www.rarlab.com/
A very convenient, robust and non-intrusive file compression ("zipping") application. The comprehensive options and the intuitive interface place WinRAR above similar programs.
(Shareware)
SunGraph (Bob Urschel) - http://www.analemma.com/sungraph/index.html
This application for Mac or PC gives very interesting display of information relating to the sun. It graphs out the sun's rising and setting times throughout the year for any location on earth. You can also view the sun's current position on the analemma and see a map of the world as the sun is currently illuminating it.
(Freeware)
Google Talk (Google) - http://www.google.com/talk/
The basic interface makes Google's instant messaging application light and easy to use. Admittedly, there are a few features that they could stand to add, but the absense of unnecessary features along with the use of the standard protocol and integration with GMail make Talk the clear winner in my book.
(beta Freeware)
CabInstl (SK Software) - http://s-k-tools.com/index.html?m_util.html
This utility gives you more control over CAB files. I'm not a fan of ActiveSync or installing Pocket PC software on my desktop. CabInstl lets you choose the install location and provides a few other options as well. Particularly useful on pre-WM5 Pocket PCs.
(Freeware)
Pocket RAR (Alexander Roshal) - http://www.rarlab.com/
A file compression ("zipping") application for the pocket PC. The quality of WinRAR in your pocket!
(Freeware)
vBar (Vieka) - http://vieka.com/vbar.htm
Based on WIS bar (walkers.ne.jp). The vBar task manager doesn't really have any spectacular features to speak of. The reason it makes my list is because I must have tried about 20 task managers before finally finding one I was happy with. It is small, customizable and stable.
(Freeware)
XnView (Pierre E. Gougelet) - http://www.xnviewpocket.org/
This picture viewer leaves out nothing. The interface is very responsive and intuitive. The range of options put most desktop picture organization applications to shame.
(Freeware)
Ball 2 (N.I) - http://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~p_h/ppc/menu.html
Very addictive game. Control a bouncing ball through level after level.
(Freeware)
Kai-bang (Kaiton Buitendijk) - http://www.kaiton.nl/bal/
A mace in the sky with great music! I'm currently a WORLD RULER! ;).
(Freeware)
FFRace (PocketNew) - http://www.pocketnew.net/
This racing game will suck your battery dry really quick, but the graphics are amazing.
(Shareware)