i want to make a "workstation", so to speak..

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hey, some of you may remember me when i was posting asking about reinstalling windows when i didnt have the CD.
now i need your help again, ive only just noticed it over the last few days that before i did my reinstall, there were a load of HP programs installed, and there was a partition on the hard disk called HP RECOVERY, and in the short time i was using the computer before i reinstalled windows i found those programs helpful, and i assumed i needed the recovery partition, but now they're gone!
because the computer came from my brother, either he lost the system recovery discs, or the computer never came with any, which is why i have ordered them from HP direct.
basically what i want to do is get the computer back to how it was when it was first bought(obviously with all the HP programs, windows installed etc. etc.) then set it up so that it does everything, run my printer, my webcam, my bluetooth dongle, all programs that would be of use to me, like office software (word, excel, publisher etc.) all the drivers/software for my devices and the like, and have it as one of those PC's thats always on, but i have no idea how to go about it, all i really know is that when my recovery discs arrive, use them then ill have a fresh install of windows, along with the recovery partition and all the HP programs, then install all my drivers/software. any ideas on what programs i can get for my computer?
also when i say "workstation" in the subject line, i mean that ill do what i was just saying with the PC, then ill use my laptop for essential/internet purposes, meaning that ill take it with me when i go out, and it wont have as many programs on it as my PC may end up with.
im just after a bit of advice really, as i wouldnt know what free or low-cost programs there are out there, and im not sure of the best way to go about doing this, and ive noticed theres some people around here who know a damn lot about computers!

For free software there is quite a lot. Much of it is for Linux, since that comes free too.

But there is still a lot for Windows too.
You will definitely want to have a look at OpenOffice:
http://www.openoffice.org/

This gives you the whole set of office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more.)
It's a free alternative to Microsofts office stuff like word, excel...

Another very good (free) program would be Gimp, if you need some tool for image processing
http://gimp.org/

There is so much free software, it's really difficult to list everything (there is 3D rendering software, there are synthesizers, music mixing...)
Maybe post a list of what you want to do with it for your job and for your hobbies.

i didnt really think about making a list of what i want to use it for pilotpirx, you kind of reminded me!
well basically i work afternoons/evenings sunday - thursday as a checkout operator, my days off are spent at my boyfriends place, where he doesnt have internet, but does have a laptop, but i prefer my laptop(also i found porn on his laptop once and i couldnt touch the thing for ages!).
i like to write alot of random stories, type up important plans and schedules, make publisher documents, and powerpoint presentations(obviously i need some sort of office program for this, where the word program could come in handy when i write my change of hours letter for work, or my resignation letter ), i do a small amount of picture editing but the last software i had wasnt free but someone got it for me. i want to get some music downloading software(preferably free) where the music i can download will be free, if not quite cheap.
really i just want some programs that teenagers normally have on thier computers, lol