1. That totally depends on what you want to program. Programming a printer driver in PHP makes just as little sense as programming a website in C++.
2a. DVD copying and burning: any burning program. Most likely you already have one.
2b. DVD authoring. That totally depends on what should be on the DVD. If you want to make a second Toy Story or Avatar, you'll need more than some software.
3. No program converts all to all. So that depends on your detailed needs.
4. Don't know.
5. That totally depends on what kind of website you want to make for whom.
6. Nothing wrong with MS Office or Office 365.
7. If you buy MS Office for #6, consider buying a version including MS Outlook.
Kees
First i would like to apologize if; 1. This does not exactly fall under the category PC Utilities and 2. My title seems a bit offensive with the exclamation mark. On to business however, I would like opinions on what the best software I can buy or download for free, either one is fine, for the following purposes.
1. Programming
2. DVD Copying, Authoring, Backup etc.
3. Converting Video & Audio into different formats
4. Remote Desktop Connection/Administration
5. Web Design/Building
6. Office Productivity
7. E-mail client
All opinions are appreciated & remember the programs can be free or pay it does not matter to me. Thank you in advance for all of your opinions!

Chowhound
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GameSpot
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TechRepublic