• Get Net Wise - GetNetWise is a public service brought to you by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that families have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences. The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be just "one click away" from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their family's use of the Internet.

• Microsoft Internet Explorer - Microsoft is the new kid on the block when it comes to web browsers, but they've managed to match Netscape feature for feature very quickly. You can download the browser and a host of add-ons for free from here. Platforms: Windows, Macintosh. UNIX
• Netscape - Netscape has been the definitive standard in web browsers for several years. Up until early 1998, Navigator (now more commonly known as Communicator, to reflect the add-ons bundled with it) was a commercial product. After losing market share to Microsoft's free alternative, they adopted a somewhat radical strategy: not only have they begun offering their browser suite for free, they've released the source code to it, so that entrepreneuring hacker-types can modify the source code to their liking. It certainly was a bold move, and it should prove interesting to see what comes of it. For more information on the source code release, see www.mozilla.org. Platforms: Almost anything! :)
• ICQ - Though its future is uncertain since AOL has bought the company responsible for creating it, the first "buddy-list" program still remains the most popular. With it, you create lists of contacts, and are notified when they come online. You can then send messages, files, and chat back and forth in real-time. Please note that this program has the nasty habit of maintaining an otherwise inactive modem connection, and when left online while you are away from your computer for a long time, causes a modem to be wasted on an otherwise idle connection while it could be used by someone else. This violates our acceptable use policy. If you use this program, please be considerate of your fellow subscribers. Platforms: Windows and Macintosh natively, others through the use of a Java version.
• FTP Explorer - One of the few easy to use FTP clients that's still free (for home and educational use). Has an interface very much like the Windows Explorer. Platform: Windows

Virus, Spam and Internet Hoax Information

• Scambusters - The premier publication on internet fraud.
• Snopes.com - Urban legends reference page. This is a good resource for checking out the validity of chain emails, petitions, rumors and other net nonsense. 
• SpamLaws.com - Find out what the spam laws are in your state, throughout the country and the world.
• VMyths.com - Learn about computer virus myths, hoaxes, urban legends, hysteria, etc.
• Truth or Fiction - Check out rumors, inspirational stories, prayer requests, virus warnings, humorous tales, pleas for help, urban legends and calls for action to see if they are true or not.