This is great for those who spend lots of time on social networks. I prefer RSS feeds, as they can go offline.

VOTE: Gmail + Fetchmail

@Rigel314: You're right, the portable version works for me, no toolbar installed. Works Great.

@not_a_virus.exe.vbs: Omnibar Extension for Firefox makes the search bar and url bar one.

VOTE: Toucan

@KyleW: 2 gb ram is fast if you use it properly. Some operating systems, like the ones that are up here. (jolicloud, linux) work great with 1 gb, but if you are stuck with vista, try removing bloatware with Revo Uninstaller, and possibly using Readyboost to add some memory to Vista.