Winzip		Winzip allows you to create your own Zip archives, or simply open other people's. Large archives can be split into manageable portions, to fit onto separate floppies, CDs or overcome file limitations on some email systems. Zip archives can be password-protected for security, while nice integration with Windows sees Zip options offered throughout Explorer. Installing Winzip should be compulsory. If you're not running Internet Explorer, click the program name above and choose "Run this program from its current location".

Acrobat Reader 5		The Acrobat format has taken off to such an extent that it's hard not to come across PDF files on your daily browse around the web. To view them, you'll need a copy of the free Acrobat reader, which also integrates itself into your browser. This allows you to download and view one page at a time if required, although impatient readers will prefer to download the whole PDF file and flick at their own speed.

Real-one Player		There can be few that haven't heard of Realplayer, and while the latest Real-one version is happy to handle audio and video files from your disk, it's happiest streaming exclusive content from the Internet. While much of this remains free (such as many international radio stations), Real Networks is clearly focusing on selling subscription-based access to streaming video clips and services. To watch these movies, you'll need the Real-one Superpass, which will cost you $9.95 per month.

Internet Explorer 6		The latest version 6 already comes with Windows XP, but also runs on Windows 98 onwards. Improved privacy controls help you keep track of cookies on a site-by-site basis if necessary, thereby ensuring your information and preferences are kept private. A new image toolbar appears when your mouse hovers over a picture, allowing you to instantly save, print or email it, along with the facility to scale the image to fit in the Window. You will need to visit the MS website to download a copy of IE6 configured to your needs.

Winamp		While most of today's players are fighting for all your media, be it video, audio, streaming or otherwise, Winamp has stuck firmly to core values: namely managing and playing audio alone. It's a great-looking audio player, with a graphic equaliser, spectrum analyser and number of plug-in visualisations which can keep you amused for hours. Which brings us to the playlists, which really could end up playing music for hours or days if desired.