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!