1. Tweak UI: Free yourself from the tyranny of ordinary Windows with this extra set of tools (also called PowerToys) created by Microsoft developers. Adjust menu speed and window animation. Move the StartUp folder up the Explorer hierachy, or move the My Documents folder to another drive. If you get the "No Help topic is associated with this item" message when you access the help menu, Tweak UI may have answers. The tool set also offers quicker fixes for adding and removing items to your right-click New menu. And you may get a second chance at recovering lost uninstall options, but only if you've installed the program while the original uninstall list in Control Panel is intact.

Note: Because these tools are not part of Windows, they are not supported by Microsoft, and Microsoft's technical support team is unable to answer any questions about them.

2. IrfanView: If you're looking for a lean and mean graphics utility, IrfanView is a top choice--and the fact that it's both free and a high-quality program makes it nearly irresistible. The program's no-frills interface makes itself known at a glance; unlike Photoshop's many cascading menus, IrfanView's menus are spare and well chosen. Import images, view images, perform basic image editing, create slide shows, and convert files from one format to another. Crop, blur, and sharpen your images. Make modifications in regular mode or, if you have a jeweler's eye for detail, make changes in zoom mode. The program lets you set the compression level when you save files, and it supports all major graphics formats, including .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png, and .tif.

This version includes a new Status Bar entry that lets you see the current directory you're working in. It also includes language and video bug fixes.

3. FinePrint 2000: Reduce the weight of papers in your briefcase--and save toner, not to mention trees--by printing a number of pages on a single sheet of paper. This program condenses a print job without forsaking your document's clarity. You can choose how many pages you want to consolidate, and you have control over how they are assembled (you can always rearrange them in any order). When your pages are ready to go, you can then print them out in a series or as a booklet.

This latest version adds lots of new features, including multilevel zoom, JPEG compression, and Windows 2000 support. It also fixes a color-correction problem in which some text fields were not printed.

Note: The unregistered version of this program prints an advertisement for the vendor at the bottom of each sheet. To get rid of that, you must register, which costs $39.95.

4. DesktopX: If you march to a different drummer and you want to individualize your Windows desktop, this program is worth considering. With it you can apply themes to your desktop. (For an assortment of desktop themes ranging from Buck Rogers to mermaids, see PCWorld.com's selection of Themes downloads.)

You can use this program to create desktops too. For instance, if you're a lurking Mac OS zealot, a Linuxhead, or an OS/2 fan, this program can help you make your Windows desktop look like those operating systems' desktops. (Note that such changes are cosmetic only.)

This networkable program is also good for more-practical uses, as it can create objects that act as small applications that work within the desktop. For example, you can have all the desktops on your network show a list of employees, and when a user clicks on an employee's icon, an instant messaging program automatically opens for contacting that person. DesktopX can monitor resources on your desktop too, by showing a pie chart depicting how much space is available on your company's network.

5. Bill's Pie Toss Screen Saver: Exact vengeance for all the frustrations you've had with Microsoft products by tossing some pies at your favorite (or least favorite) billionaire. This free screen saver lets you pepper Bill Gates with custard pies in a playful atmosphere. Gates goads you mercilessly while riding a tricycle or sticking his head through circular cutouts. This latest version of the program features an interactive mode that allows you to better control the pie action. A longer version of the screen saver, which contains a dunking booth, is available for $9.00.

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