Scrambled Heads recommends the following software:

Summary: All of the software below is either free or offers a free version. They usually offer a means to donate although this is not required. If nothing else we highly recommend you download at least all off the products in the staying safe online section.

Surfing the net:

Mozilla Firefox
What is it? This is a great alternative to Internet Explorer,and now Version 1, ditch Internet Explorer.
Why do I want it? It's quick to load, it blocks popup's, it has "tabbed" browsing and it looks good. Need more of a reason? click here. Note: for slower connections there is also CD available for a small fee here.

Mozilla
What is it? This is another alternative to Internet Explorer, from the same people as Firefox but more tried and tested.
Why do I want it? It includes an e-mail client, web page editor (or you could have Scrambled Heads do it for you), popup blocker and tabbed browsing. Note: for slower connections there is also CD available for a small fee here.

Opera
What is it? Another alternative to Internet Explorer, with two ways to get it either paid for or with unobtrusive ads while you browse.
Why do I want it? This is has so many features I won't list them all here, but they include accessibility settings ideal for the visually impaired, popup blocking, browsing with Javascript turned off or limited. Read more here.

Internet Explorer
What is it? Depending on the statistics you read, the most widely used browser, as it is provided with Windows. Although this is changing as people recognize the value of other browsers.
Why do I want it? If you must use this and there are still some reasons (such as windows update) for still doing so; Please use the curent version. There are a lot of reasons for this such as security "holes" and viewing certain webpages corectly. View Microsoft's reasons for you to update Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 326489.

Staying safe online:

Spybot Search and Destroy
What is it? a Spyware removal tool.
Why do I want it? Spyware can infect you computer, slow your internet connection, send your surfing habits and much more. This will remove it and can even stop it installing in the first place (with tea-time protection enabled).

Javacool Spyware Blaster
What is it? a Spyware blocking tool.
Why do I want it? This provides even more protection from receiving spyware in the first place, especially when combined with Spybot.

Ad Aware
What is it? Another Spyware removal tool, best when used with Spybot.
Why do I want it? This removes Spyware, tracking cookies etc. This and Spybot can sometimes find different spyware so are best used together.

Gibson Research Corporation
What is it? This site includes some great tool's and security fixes
Why do I want it? There are numerous tools and security fixes on here and a firewall test too. These programs are so small they should only take a few seconds on a dial up connection, why wouldn't you?

Zone Alarm
What is it? A software Firewall. If this makes no sense, think of a Firewall as a lock for your door or at it's best a completely hidden door.
Why do I want it? Without some form of firewall protection you're visible on the internet for malicious people to possibly take control of your computer. Even programs on your machine can connect themselves to the Internet and "phone home" at best slowing your internet connection, at worst downloading other malicious programs or sending your details, browsing habits and more.