Most commercial fonts are included with graphics programs. Others are samplers included with printers or greeting card programs. You can also get free fonts by cruising the internet. Many small companies that produce fonts give away free samples to get you to buy their software. Other companies create CD samplers of fonts created by freelance artists.
Some websites are just archives of fonts either created or collected by the site owner.
An interesting place to start looking for collections of fonts is Free Fonts . This page is a link list of places to get free fonts. One of its more interesting links is Disturbed Fonts . The Chankstore is a cool font shop that gives away free samples. For those who like fonts with an attitude, Free Font Fiesta is for you.