I stumbled upon a really nice utility for Windows Vista called Start++.

From the website:

Start++ is an enhancement for the Start Menu in Windows Vista. It also extends the Run box and the command-line with customizable commands. For example, typing “w Windows Vista” will take you to the Windows Vista page on Wikipedia!

http://brandontools.com/content/StartPlusPlus.aspx

One of the most annoying things about Windows Vista’s new User Account Control is the “Secure Desktop”. I particularly dislike how it interrupts your work flow in the most startling way possible short of setting off an air raid siren. While I understand the premise behind it (it is supposed to prevent spoofing of the User Account Control prompt), I am perfectly comfortable recommending disabling it to any moderate to advanced Vista user. In any case, here’s how:

• From the Start Menu search box, type Local Security and allow yourself to elevate.
• The Security Settings window should appear: Navigate to Local Policies, Security Options.
• On the bottom of the right hand side, double click the setting User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation, Disable it, and you are good to go.

I’ve found the User Account Control prompts to be considerably more tolerable when disabling this feature. While this will not protect you from a malicious coder attempting to spoof the UAC prompt, I am OK with that level of risk.