Mac and Linux users have been used to them for a long time now but Virtual Desktop managers are one of the most convenient ways to organise your workspace.

VirtuaWin is a virtual desktop manager for the Windows which lets you organize applications over several virtual desktops (also called 'workspaces'). You can create up to 20 desktops which you can chop and change to using desktop shortcuts - just hold down the Windows key and use the cursor keys. This application can be taken anywhere on a USB stick so it's useful for those that don't have a laptop or don't have enough disk space to install the original program. Unfortunately, it seems that this portable version has a few bugs, most annoying of which is the gaps that sometimes appear in the taskbar when you change desktops. The developers say this is caused by a bug in the 'Group similar taskbar buttons' feature of the Windows taskbar which cannot always correctly handle the large number of window state changes that occur during desktop change. However, it can be remedied by disabling the taskbar option although this is quite a drastic measure to take to ensure this program works properly.

A useful way to organise your Windows and desktop but this portable version is still prone to bugs.

Download VirtuaWin Portable 4.0.1 in Softonic

One of the best ways to speed up your productivity is to take your hand off the mouse and start using your keyboard a lot more.

However, this is easier said than done. First because we're all so used to doing everything by mouse that using anything else just feels weird and clumsy but most importantly, Windows doesn't come with any kind of hotkey configuration utility to help you get more out of your keyboard. That's where Hotkeycontrol XP comes in because it provides an ultra easy and convenient way to configure hotkeys for just about any task - well almost any task. The excellent thing about this program is that it can make use of all those multimedia keys that you never use anymore - the ones that launch the internet, your media player, file browser etc. Rather than have them redundant, Hotkeycontrol XP maps your keyboard and them allows you to assign actions to each one. This suddenly enables you to use your keyboard for everything from running programs and opening files to moving folders and saving webpages. One of the most useful functions of this program however is that it can save you hours of time in wasted typing - if you regularly type the same sorts of e-mail responses, you can use the program to automatically enter a block of text based on the simple press of a hotkey.

A superb utility that speeds-up your working day, makes hotkey configuration a breeze and makes better use of your keyboard.

Download Hotkeycontrol XP 6.0 in Softonic

The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your Product Key (cd key) used to install windows from your registry. It has the options to copy the key to clipboard, save it to a text file, or print it for safekeeping. It works on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Windows Vista, Office 97, Office XP, and Office 2003.

Download Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0 Beta 2 in Softonic

Imagine you lose your XP product key and then you need to format your computer. How are you supposed to get that key back without entering into illegal practices?

The solution is RockXP, a simple tool that will retrieve your Windows XP key from the system and enables you to restore your activation in case you need to reinstall Windows again on your system.

RockXP doesn't only work with Windows, but with any other Microsoft application you have on your computer. What's more, it can also scan the whole system and find other saved password.

The program includes a password generator in case you run out of ideas, though unfortunately it can only generate one password at a time.

With RockXP you can recover missing Windows XP product keys, as well as keys for other Microsoft applications.

Download RockXP 4.0 in Softonic