Download.com has released the Top 10 Best Downloads for 2007. You will find a lot of useful applications in the list from web browsers geared towards social networking to an free and open source alternative to the MS Office Suite.
One application in particular from that list that deserves mention is CrossLoop. Currently still in beta, CrossLoop allows you to provide remote support to a friend, colleague, etc over the internet without needing to configure ports on your firewall. There are several applications that allow you to do this, but CrossLoop is (currently) free and very easy to install and use for the supporter and especially for the person in need of computer help.