On my computer, I don't use a generic 'net browser and I don't use a generic word processor. Below are links to:

Firefox
http://download-firefox.org/ [1]
Many of you have heard of and are possibly using Firefox. Good for you! Hardly any popups, no worries about viruses, and this cute little 'tab' option. Firefox has made my life infinitely better. And at the cost of nothing!

Open Office
http://www.openoffice.org/ [2]
Open Office runs none of the risks that Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, etc. run because no one bothers to write viruses for it. It's also (cue angels singing) FREE! And compatible with most other widely used word processing programs, so you can e-mail it to other computers and don't have to worry about getting funny symbols on the other end.