I'm running Windows 98 on a 266mhz, 192MB RAM, 2.1GB harddisk, 16-bit soundcard (I think it may be made by Advance Logic), with a 56k internal modem - often recognised by my system as either a NetComm internal 56k (IN5692) or Lucent Winmodem. Not a special system in any way, shape, or form.
WinAmp plays mp3s, has "plug-ins" for various sound/visual effects, is skinnable (read draw-your-own-interface), and playlist capabilities. Also check out www.winamp-skins.com, www.1001winampskins.com, and www.winampcentral.com for more skins and plug-ins.
602Pro PC Suite 2001 includes 602 Album (thumbnail viewer/organiser), 602 Photo (photo editor), 602 Word (word processor), and 602 Tab (spreadsheet). It can be downloaded for free, and be registered very quickly online. The dictionary and thesaurus is available as an optionable extra. Just follow the download link.
Ad-Aware 6.0 scans your computer for adware/spyware and can either remove or quarantine the offending components. Useful for finding tracking cookies which can be used to send information to third parties about your internet usage. Check out the documentation though as removing certain components may affect how some programs work.
KaZaA Lite 2.0.0 - if you must use KaZaA then I recommend this version. Doesn't have annoying pop-up ads or adware/spyware and no other "bundled" components that you must install. KaZaA Lite 2.0.0 can be upgraded with the Advanced Version" patch avaible from www.smashsworld.com, and is also compatible with KLCheater 1.2.2 which can be used to raise you Participation Level to 1000 (Supreme Being)! It's important to note that both of these patches/programs do NOT work with KaZaA Lite 2.0.2, but then again, I can't find a link for KLCheater 1.2.2 so maybe you can find it yourself.
i.Disk 1.7 is a neat little program which scans the size of all your folders and sorts them according to size. It's quite surprising where you can find extra space once you're aware of folders hidden away with a heap of demos or examples which you may never use! This link will take you to download.com so if you need to search that site for i.Disk 1.7 be sure to get the spaces and dots in the right place or you'll probably end up getting Mac software in your results...
PowerDesk 5 is a breeze to use and I prefer it over Windows Explorer. Check it out - you may be surprised. As they say on the Home page "PowerDeskŪ Pro 5 is a simple, fast and fun way to organize and manage files, digital photos, MP3 music files and web images on your PC. It's convenient and it saves time! In just one, two or three clicks, you can customize your PC: move, copy, zip, label, color code, search, view, prioritize, convert, and use your files the way you want to use them." This takes you to a trial version with no time limit, but has functions disabled - I don't know which ones, but then again I haven't needed to use what ever they may have been anyway.
CuteFTP is small, cute, ftps, and has an easy drag-and-drop interface. Best used with the "Quick Connect" option, though if you ftp to various servers then you can set up your own address book. Has a 30-day evaluation period before some of the functions are disabled.
With GetRight never find out how much fun it is to restart a 100MB download when you get cut-off during the last 0.5MB. It automatically resumes downloads from where you where cut-off once you're reconnected!
ZoneAlarm is a firewall which means when you're connected to the internet it onlys allows information to be passed through "allowed" programs. Anyone trying to gain access to your computer is automatically blocked. Once you've worked out which programs need to have internet access then the "Always Allow" option is something to consider. Whereas if you don't like MediaPlayer or WinAmp squeezing your bandwidth then ZoneAlarm can stop them from connecting.
BEWARE!!! If this program it not properly configured then any internet related program may not work. IF you can't view webpages, send/receive email, ftp, or anything else then disable ZoneAlarm and try again.
NotePad. A straight forward text editor that comes with Windows. All the "processing power" required to put together this website.
Questions, flames, etc. can be sent to me!