Windows XP Power Toys

For quite a while Microsoft has packaged up some semi-official tools for Windows as Power Toys. The latest release can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx . I just installed the Alt-Tab Replacement Toy. It replaces the standard Alt-Tab presentation with an extended version which includes a miniature view of the target application, like this:

I find that I am most productive when I keep both of my hands on the keyboard, reaching for the mouse as seldom as possible. Learning and using the shortcut keys for an application is always worthwhile. This habit of mine probably has its roots in the fact that I’ve been using EMACS for over half of my life.

There are 14 other Power Toys at the link above; give them a try!