@Amarus:

For those who want something similar for a HTPC, but something which is simpler, ie: just plays network/local media, try GeexBox.

@mjm01010101: [www.fanboy.co.nz]

Three problems.

@Jeej: There is an easier way: [www.fanboy.co.nz]

VOTE: VirtualDub

@LethAL: [www.fanboy.co.nz] - Adblock for Opera. Very simple instructions. Works just as effectively as Adblock Plus for Firefox.

Arch Linux for an enthusiast, Ubuntu for other users.

I don't get it. As you said, "Microsoft owns the desktop". Why would they change a winning strategy. The reason so many people don't switch to Linux or MacOS is simply because they are so familiar with Microsoft's interface, for both applications and OS. For more proof on that theory just look at which is the most…

@kli6891: If you do a quick bit of work on your hosts file, then all your browsers will have Ad-blocking built in :)

@GregH: Can anyone confirm if Opera has a private browsing feature I haven't found?

VOTE: Opera

VOTE: Free Download Manager

TeamViewer seems to be the most simple solution for me to fix a clients pc when the client is not at all tech inclined. I simply tell the client to go to www.teamviewer.com, click "Start customer module" and read me out their id # + once-only password.

I find Total Commander to be a good all-round solution.

Its lack of content filter will be one reason many avoid it.

AutoGK contains no adware/spyware, it is completely clean.

@thegrumpyadmin: I find [www.teamviewer.com] to be superior as a freeware remote PC control tool.

I have just run a few tests to find out which is the lowest resource