I recently decided not to pay Microsoft again when I aquired another workstation. Instead, I'm using open office, which is just as good. If you haven't heard about it... check it out, it's Free! :P
http://www.openoffice.org/
Abi word is also good if you like a word processor that resembles MS word a little more, though I prefer open office. It's also free
http://www.abisource.com/
If anyone else knows any >great< free programs, especially alternatives to the essentials, post em up
