Force Outlook to display mails in plain text to reduce the risk of html viruses carrying dangerous vulnerabilities. Edit the registry
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\10.0\Outlook\Options\Mail
Add a DWORD of READASPLAIN=1
Now all messages will be displayed as plain text.
Schtasks is a command line tool that replaces the infamous AT command for scheduling tasks to run on local and remote computers.
You dont have to logout a user to run administrator installations. Shift+right-click the setup file, then select Run As and enter an admin username and password.
Rainys has some nice apps at http://vapaa.dc.inet.fi/~rainy/index.php including a skinnable desktop calendar and a performance meter.
SysMetrix is a cool skinnable clock and metering app from Xymantix at http://www.xymantix.com/
Another cool addition to your desktop is Desktop Sidebar from http://www.desktopsidebar.com/
Samurize lets you create your own cool desktop tools at http://www.samurize.com/modules/news/
Rather than modifying your Windows interface, you can completely replace it.
Litestep is one of the more popular Windows shell replacements from http://www.litestep.net/ You have to register at the site to access it.
Talisman Desktop is available from http://www.lighttek.com/
And Aston Shel is from http://www.astonshell.com/
PatchXP patches Windows to let you use non-Microsoft themes
http://www.belchfire.net/article205.html
tgtsoft sells Style XP
http://www.tgtsoft.com/
An easy tutorial on modifying your boot and login screens is at http://www.extrememhz.com/winxpcust-p2.shtml
Some cool themes available from http://www.lightstar1.com/ complete with FAQs on how to install them.
Wincustomize has a huge collection of skins for WindowsBlinds, WindowsFX and DesktopX, as well as skins for specific applications like WinAmp and CoolPlayer.
http://www.wincustomize.com/
ObjectBar from Stardock is a commercial app containing a number of tools for completely customizing your Windows. It contains apps like DesktopX which lets you download or create your own desktop [...]
Annoyances.org has a list of simple modifications you can make to Windows yourself at http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/category02
An easy one to avoid unsightly gray rectangles around the titles of your desktop icons is to open System Properties in Control Panel, choose the Advanced tab, and click Settings in the Performance section. Turn on the Use drop shadows for [...]
The basic Windows XP installation looks a lot nicer (or worse, depending on your point of view) than earlier Windows versions. But you aren’t limited to the basic themes that come out of the box. You can modify the styles yourself, or download applications that let you install themes that others have created.
TqcRunas from http://www.quimeras.com/ can be set up to let users run applications with administrator rights. The admin password can be encrypted for security.
An excellent set of batch files for removing all the fluff that comes with Windows XP at http://jdeboeck.msfnhosting.com/ [Edit: this site is no longer available - but the forum thread is still available at msfn.org]
Use one of the methods on msfn for making an unattended installation CD and you’ll have a quick install and [...]