Microsoft has released a free set of tools and programs for Windows XP that perform a variety of functions. Some of the programs include an addition to the Alt-Tab switching that shows you a preview of the selected window, a graphing calculator, a magnifier, and a photo album generator. I can’t put a link directly to them, so go to Microsoft and search for Windows XP power toys. (There is also a different set of power toys for Win 98 and ME)

Don’t like the search assistant in XP? Want to take “My Computer” off your desktop? Tweak UI for Windows XP can help you change these settings and several more. I can’t link directly to it, since it seems to move frequently, so go to Microsoft and search for Tweak UI. (There is also a version for Win 98 and ME)