1
Antivirus: ESET NOD32
Antivirus software is a crowded market. However, ESET NOD32 Antivirus rises to the top of a competitive field with its high-quality scanning (it consistently receives Advanced+ ratings from AV-Comparatives). Additionally, unlike most other antivirus software, NOD32 is light on system resources, and you won't even notice it's running. The downside is that a license will set you back $40 for a year or $60 for two years.
Get NOD32
NOD32 is great; I honestly believe it's the best antivirus software out there. However, I'm committed to free software, so I will always provide a free alternative if I recommend a product that costs money. In the case of free antivirus software, your best choice is AVG.
Get AVG
2 Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes Malwarebytes Anti-Malware provides the best free anti-malware protection out there. Get Malwarebytes
3
Cleaning: CCleaner
There are a number of products out there that claim to wipe out the unnecessary files on your computer. CCleaner is one of the originals, and still by far the best. In addition to thoroughly cleaning out unneeded files, it includes a registry cleaner, program uninstaller, and startup program manager.
Get CCleaner
4
Defragmenting: IOrbit SmartDefrag
Windows comes with a built-in defragmenter, and there are plenty of free alternatives out there. But SmartDefrag does it quickly, lets you schedule defrags, provides an option for auto-defragging in the background, and intelligently organizes the files you use most.
Get SmartDefrag
5
Software Removal: Revo Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller removes programs from your system. Then it scans the registry and program folders to make sure the program you want off your machine didn't leave anything behind.
Get Revo Uninstaller
6
Software Update: FileHippo Software Updater
The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases. These are then neatly displayed in your browser for you to download.
Get FileHippo Update Checker
7
Anti-Malware: Windows Defender
Windows Defender provides effective realtime protection from unwanted software. I use it in addition to Malwarebytes.
Get Windows Defender
8
Firewall: Comodo Personal Firewall
Comodo has long produced one of the best free software firewalls. Recently, they added antivirus support. This tool might be all you need for active internet security.
Get Comodo
9
Burning: InfraRecorder
With a feature list including audio and data CDs and DVDs, video DVDs, dual layer DVDs, and recording to images, the free InfraRecorder probably meets all your burning needs.
Get InfraRecorder