Free Note Taking Software

I am a note taker, if I don't write things down I usually forget them. :)
Everything goes into my notebook: grocery lists, phone numbers, things to do, places to go, people to see, ideas...everything.

Now I have a notebook on my computer!

EverNote
If you can see it, you can save it.
EverNote stores your notes on an endless strip of digital "paper" and automatically tags them with a category, place and time. Capture and store clippings from the web, text notes, emails and pictures, all in one place. Easily search and find what you want later.
For more information and to download Evernote visit their webpage here.
This is freeware but you can upgrade to the Premium version.

Also see:
7 Ways to Use EverNote
Evernote. Why it will make it & 20 Awesome Ways to Use It.

Now, if only I could tag and search my paper notebook like EverNote. :)

Freeware-Photo Editing and Manipulation

Irfanview
Fast, compact and free graphic viewer for Windows. Image editing and manipulation, many supported file formats, batch processing, create slideshows, play audio and video, special effects and free plug-ins are just a few of Irfanview's features. For more info and download link, click here.

FotoSketcher
Freeware to convert your digital photos into paintings, sketches or drawings. Go here for more information and to download.

Artweaver
A simple freeware program for creating sketches and art from photos. Find it here.

Free Download Manager

Downloading a lot of files is very time consuming when you have dial-up internet. I've tried several download managers and the best one I've found is Orbit Downloader. You can download large batches of files, audio, video, streaming media, and flash. You can also pause and resume downloads without starting all over.
Orbit is freeware and you can find it here:
http://www.orbitdownloader.com/index.htm .

Excellent software, give it a try!