1. Sound Recorder / Editor: Audacity

Audacity is an open source software for editing and recording sounds. It´s available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux and has a great list of features and supported formats. If you ever need an audio editor / recorder you should take a look at audacity.

2. Ftp Client / Server: Filezila

Filezilla is a powerful ftp client for windows. Every webmaster for instance needs an ftp client to transfer the updated files of his website to the webserver. Filezilla also offers a server version which would mean you can host your own ftp server and let friends and others download download and upload files from it. Fast and easy to use, recommended for everyone who is looking for a ftp client or server.

3. Image Manipulation: Gimp

Gimp is an image manipulation application like photoshop and paint shop professional. Unlike the latter two its complete free. Its available for windows, macintosh and *nix and offers a wide variety of features. The gimp homepage has an extensive list of tutorials and documentations in many languages. If you need an image manipulation tool try gimp.

4. Encryption: True Crypt

I´ve already written a large article about true crypt and can recommend it fully. I´am using it at home where I encrypted my entire external hard drive using true crypt. It´s running fine and the read / write speed does not differ a lot from my unencrypted drives.

5. Text Editor: PsPad

Ps Pad is an enhanced texteditor for windows with multi-language support. The text editor supports projects, syntax highlighting and templates. There are more features, just take a look at the applications homepage.