1. Magnifier
start/All Programs/Accessories/Accessibility
Drag to desktop.

2. Folders on desktop, Programs: shortcuts.
Folder Security.

3. Quick launch / move icons

4. Autoruns:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx
This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP. Autoruns' Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option helps you to zoom in on third-party auto-starting images that have been added to your system and it has support for looking at the auto-starting images configured for other accounts configured on a system. You'll probably be surprised at how many executables are launched automatically!

5. Tweak UI
Part of Microsoft PowerToys
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
This PowerToy gives you access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more.

6. AVG Free
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
Starts out annoying. Learns.

7. CCleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/download

8. File Hippo
http://www.filehippo.com/
Also update checker.

9. annoyances.org
The most complete collection of information assembled for and by actual users of Microsoft Windows. Explore this free web resource by selecting one of the destinations displayed, or use search to find a specific solution. Stomp out annoyances with the topics on this site.

10. Cookie viewer
http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptcookie.asp

11. Disk Defragmenter
start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter
Drag to desktop. Move icon to Quicklaunch.

12. Spybot S&D:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Many think is best spyware remover available.

13. TreeSize
http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml

14. zonealarm
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/anti-virus-spyware-free-download.htm
Most popular free PC firewall product on the market.
Can be annoying. Takes some getting used to.

15. FireFox add-ons. In FireFox, go to Tools/Add-ons.
Flahblock
Nuke Anything Enhanced
New Tab Homepage
IE Tab
WeatherBug

Some links to look at:
http://www.barracudacentral.com/
http://www.tweakhound.com/xp/xptweaks/supertweaks1.htm
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial42.html
http://www.geekstogo.com/
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Hoster_d4626.html
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial43.html
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial48.html
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/index.html
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
http://internetrotsyourbrain.com/rridgely/malwareremoval.htm
http://internetrotsyourbrain.com/rridgely/malwareprevention.htm
http://internetrotsyourbrain.com/rridgely/freesoftware.htm