Web browsers
Hardly anyone pays for a Web browser, but you don't have to use the copy of Internet Explorer that comes bundled with Windows. Here, you have choices. Mozilla is getting better and better, and includes many clever features such as tabbed browsing and ad blocking. Opera runs on many platforms and is far leaner than any of its competitors.
In conjunction with your Web browser, you may like to pick up a copy of Proxomitron, also free, which aggressively blocks ads, pop-ups and other clutter. With Web advertising getting increasingly aggressive, the motivation to use an ad blocker is getting stronger. Alternatives to Proxomitron can be found on the Junkbusters page: the campaigning organisation makes one of its own as well as linking to others.
