1. CD Ripper -  ExactAudioCopy

EAC is simply the BEST ripping program available. EAC Tutorials can be found using Google.
CDex is a simpler alternative, but theres really no excuse not to use EAC

Lame has been the best for a long time, and still is, Get it here

3. SFV Files - View + Create

Those .SFV files included in releases are great!
They allow you to check that all files are present and complete. 
hkSFV is the BEST SFV Progam available.

The .NFO files holds valuable information about the release.
I personally use notepad, terminal font to view NFOs.

NFOtemple.com has many dedicated viewers on offer such as 
the popular DAMN NFO Viewer V2.0

NFOSighting will allow you to create custom 
NFO files easily by scanning your mp3s

5. ID3 Editor - Eags on!

ID3v1 and ID3v2 tags get screwed up every now and again.
I use Eags on! to correct them. VERY versatile id3 editor with FreeDB.org support!

* All programs listed are free, but most of the authors take donations, go and help them out! *