What are the best places and/or methods to promote your affiliate links?

Seems like there are a lot of “affiliate elite” mimic sites that are using an opt-in box to alert you of the release of the affiliate elite software. Most have the 30 minute head-start alert, but everyone seems to be offering this. I want a real bargain plus affiliate elite! Has anyone seen any affiliate elite extras?

As a mom of 2 kids i want to work from home with a genuine/legitimate affiliate program that is paying for its members.
Please help me to find it soon.

I just would like to know how to use a blog to promote affiliate links without violating blogging guidelines.

I want to start to make money online as an affiliate, but have found a lot of software to be expensive, does any one know of free or cheap software I will need on my computer?