seconded, notepad++ is good if you require syntax highlighting. otherwise regular notepad will do just fine.
I use Notepad++ as well. It has formatting support for various languages which helps make code more readable, prevent bugs, etc.
Personally, Arachnophilia. (the old version, not java) Starting out, I learned to code with this program, tried other more "advanced" programs over the years, but always go straight back to Arachnophilia. Of course, I've edited it's source so it provides XHTML tags instead, making it faster for me, but just as it is, is good enough. All the others had too much clutter, and I can't preview my work in Notepad, or else I'd just use that. Don't like programs like dreamweaver, etc, too busy.
notepad++, coffeecup free html editor, nvu, kompozer. if you want to put out some small change, coffecup html editor 2009 is really good.
There is one Called Amaya , it is a free version similar to Macromedia Dreamweaver. Seems pretty good.
I am using UltraEdit. I like some of its functionality of converting content from digital to ascii, hex and some other format. By the way I don't only use it for html edition but some text manipulation. I think they have free version.
Seconded. Been using it for years. The author is a bit of a religious nut from what I understand but he kicks out a decent product. One of the few editors that match up opening and closing php functions. That's a big plus for me. A lot of *cough* hackers cut their teeth on patching it and working out keycode generators and the like. It's a very well known tool in some circles. The author kept up on every new hack as well.
It is a good program for beginners and those who want to create web pages quickly. http://wp.netscape.com/communicator/composer/v4.5/index.html
Here is a good one you can buy the pro version but the free basic is good! I think it is called : evrsoft good for HTML that about it!
Why used other application? if you are running Windows OS on your rig... notepad was already been preinstall.