There are so many threads that already cover this. Do a search.

Notepad, Microsoft Word, FireFox

I don't need anything else and neither do you.

most of the software IM'ers use are online (wordpress, google), if your computer dies, it doesnt matter

Always been my answer to these kind of threads:

Your Brain - You wouldnt need anything else, really.

Ah.. i need at least my Windows is running

Dragon NaturallySpeaking!

Why? Because without it I would not be typing this right now. I am a hunt and Peck Typist and if I had to reply to anyone by actually typing on the keyboard I just would not do it.

I would have to hire the simplest typing tasks out.

Shoot, I would have to hire someone to make this post for me.

That would get expensive really fast :-)

Anyway, I cannot live without Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It is literally my right-hand man.

I have it on my computer, my laptop, my iPad, my iPhone and anything else I think I can put it on, it is on.

I literally try not to type anything.

I do not type text notes, I do not type Facebook updates, I do not type twitter updates, everything is done through Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Most software I use is online software so I need
a browser for that. I can't remember the last time I
used desktop marketing software.

Tyrus

as long as you have a browser that can surf the net then you can just locate your files there. Quick and easy.

If you don't want to do the writing outsource it to a good writer.