Most of the programs I use are free:
Paint.net (image editing)
Balabolka (voices)
Google Sketchup (basic 3d shapes)
Anvil Studio (to make midi)
COWON media center - jet audio (to convert midi)
Reaper v0.999 (mixing audio, etc)
KMPlayer (listening, etc)
FastStone Capture (scrolling screen capture, etc)
CCleaner (maintenance)
FlashCS5 with student discount = 150$