short urls
snurl. snip it. take long links (e.g. to forum threads) and make them manageable. if you register for an account then you will be able to keep a record of all your snips.
executor or launchy
both these programs will increase your everyday cpu using APM tremendously.
total commander
i dont have a link for this but its is the best file managing program i have used. why use windows explorer. with total commander you can breeze through copy and pasting folders, keeping track of all your vods etc. it does take some getting used to and you have to learn a few commands etc.