The House That Silence Built

I just got a laptop running Windows. Just downloaded the newest version of Open Office for it. I am now taking recommendations for fulfilling the following software needs:

• text editor
• LiveJournal client
• IRC client
• IM client that handles multiple services
• Torrent client -- and I just found a really good one for Mac, too . . .
• FTP client

Remember, freeware is goodware. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.