Vista
I’ve started using Vista on my desktop machines and just came across two features that are quite cool. First, Vista now has something comparable to what Quicksilver provides on Macs. If you hit the Windows/Start key and start typing the name of a program, file, or website it will start running. For example, if I hit Windows/Start and then type “po” and enter, PowerPoint will start.
The system brings up the possible choices in a context-sensitive box (sort of like typing Chinese with pinyin input methods). Very useful feature.
Second is Shadow Copy, which allows me to recover easily from a mistake I frequently make. Let’s say I need to write a recommendation letter for a student for something. I typically open the file most like that recommendation (e.g., the last letter I’ve written for them), update it for the new context, and then save it, writing over the old recommendation. In Vista, after slapping myself in the forehead, I can save the file with a new name, then select the old file, right click and revert it to the prior version. Help for the absent-minded.