We all love the simple little applications that come with the Windows OS, but while we use them we inevitably want just a little more out of them.  I’ve started replacing some of them…

Notepad:  I’ve been using Notepad++ but Notepad2 is ok as well.

Task Switcher:  TaskSwitchXP Pro (it appears this link is dead right now, so try this one.

Task Manager:  Sysinternals Process Explorer (I do wish it would start up quicker though.)

Windows Explorer: xplorer² is small and fast (updated).  I tested Directory Opus, which was awesome!!! BUT it was just too slow to use and it is not freeware.

Web Browser: Firefox (I just love the extensions.)

Virtual Desktop: Virtual Dimension (updated)

Windows File Name search:  Locate32

Windows file contents search and replace:  Inforapid Search and Replace