One of the big advantages of Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch is the thousands of applications that you can install — some free, others not.

Most of these applications won't necessarily blow your mind, but among the thousands there are a few that stand out.

Below is a collection of what I believe are the best free applications that we can use here in South Africa.

Backgrounds: get cool backgrounds.

Bloomberg: for all your stock market information needs.

eReader: ebook reader.

Facebook: access your Facebook account.

Files lite: sync files to your device, including pdf's, jpg's, Word and Excel files.

Flashlight: bright white background that can serve as a light in the dark.

Fring: connect to multiple instant messaging services all at once, including Skype.

Moxier World: get a five-day weather forecast.

Now Playing: everything you need to know about movies, including show times and reviews.

Remote: control your Apple computer or Apple TV.

RSS Runner: RSS feeds reader.

Stanza: another ebook reader.

Twinkle: connect to Twitter.

Units: convert measuring units.

VoiceNotes: take voice notes (iPhone only).

If you know of other very useful (and free!) applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch, please share it with us by leaving a comment below.