I`m going to list this out in the same order as my programs menu in xfce. I use my my computer mainly for business but also for some general web/multimedia stuff too.

Tools:

gcalctool – make a keyboard shortcut for this indespensible tool
Gnomebaker – a user friendly CD/DVD burning application
Vym – organise your thoughts with this mind-mapping program
BlueProximity – Lock your pc when you walk away from it. Uses your bluetooth mobile phone to check that you are there. If it cannot find you it locks unitl you come back.
Mousepad – Standard Xubuntu text editor. Does the job.
Geany – More advanced text editor - Good syntax highlighting.

Design:

more here