Microsoft has released a series of utilities to act as add-ons to Windows. They’ve done it for most versions of Windows, and they have also done it for Windows XP users. You can view the avialable add-ons at:
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
The PowerToys on that site include:
- TweakUI. This is a rather popular tweaking utility that provides access to Windows settings that are not adjustable via the default Windows interface (for whatever reason).
- Power Calculator. Replace your Windows calculator with a much more powerful one.
- Virtual Desktop. Manage up to 4 different desktops from one taskbar.
- Webcam Timershot. Allows you to have your webcam snap pictures at certain time intervals. Useful if you want to know what your house looks like when you’re gone, I guess.
Have fun!

David Risley is the founder of PCMech.com. He is the brains, the thinker, the writer, the nerd.