If you need an audio editor, this should be your first choice. It’s fairly simple to use, but offers professional editing features and compatibility with many file types.

iTunes

If you don’t know about iTunes already, you’ve probably been living under a tree for the last four years.

WordPress

This software allows you to create a blog easily and professionally. In fact, it powers our very own Underground website.

Firefox

For those still stuck in an Internet Explorer world, please do yourself a favor and download the Firefox browser. It’s faster, more secure and customizable with a plethora of free add-ons.

Gmail

Not only does this email service Google offer gobs of storage, it also acts as a bridge to many other of the company’s unique services.

Thunderbird

This is a great replacement for Microsoft Outlook from the makers of Firefox.

Skype

Are you an international student and tired of paying big fees for cross-continental phone calls? With Skype, you can make calls for free over the internet (even video phone calls), so long as the other person has Skype on their computer as well.

Open Office

Basically, this free software can completely replace Microsoft Office for most people. It runs fast, easy to use, and fully compatible with the Microsoft file formats it seeks to replace.

Google Earth

Using satellite images and aerial photography, this program will literally allow you to travel the globe from your computer. Type in any location and see it from above instantly. It is really quite amazing to see.

GIMP

Want the features of Photoshop but don’t have hundreds of dollars to buy it? GIMP is a free alternative that offers plenty of professional photo editing features.