1. In to-dos and tasks, use $ for in-progress tasks and * for mostly completed tasks

In my team, in our bug-tracking system we used $ to mark items currently in progress and * to mark when a work item or bug was moslty completed but not yet checked in. That makes it very easy to track how progress on a given tasks is going. I have since incorporated this into my regular to-do list.

2. In code that does a lot of error handling, use status variables and macros to check for errors

Instead of writing long if clauses to check the result of every system call, hide those error checks behind a macro. It makes code much cleaner and makes error checking and logging a much more painless affair.

3. Lock your computer often

More about privacy and security than productivity, it’s always a good idea (and company policy at Microsoft) to lock your computer when you’re going to leave it for a while. You never know when someone might come by and use your account or steal your data. Windows+L is a very easy keyboard shortcut, so use it often.

4. Use Zune Pass to keep your music fresh

There’s nothing worse than listening to the same music over and over again while you’re trying to work. Zune Pass is an awesome service because not only does it let you download all the music you want, but it also gives you recommendations on new music to listen to. This way, you can keep your playlist fresh and new. Grooveshark, Last.fm and Pandora also work, but Zune Pass is the only one that also lets you download music to listen offline and copy to MP3 player.

5. When working from the command line, batch scripts and shortcuts are king

This one’s a no-brainer for anyone that spends a large portion of the time on the command line. Whether it be Windows or Unix-like shells, shortcuts and scripts always help a lot when navigating and getting stuff done on the command line. Use aliases, scripts and commands to get the best out of your command-line experience.

6. Keep highly hydrated for best performance

Microsoft offers free drinks to all employees for a reason. It’s very important to keep hydrated to be productive. Whether it be water or your favorite caffeine-rich drink, try to keep you brain happy while you’re working.

Have a tip of your own for working better? Leave a comment!

The huge problem with gadgets, though, is finding functional, interesting and good looking ones. The official gadget repository, Windows Live Gallery, is not very useful, as the screenshots have a very low resolution and an incorrect aspect ratio, and ratings are usually unrepresentative of a gadget’s quality. However, after navigating a while through the Live Gallery I’ve found very useful and aesthetic gadgets. To celebrate the upcoming version of Windows, here are my seven favorite. Note: These gadgets are also compatible with Vista.

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1. Currency

Where to get it: Included with Windows

What it does: It shows exchange rates for virtually every currency in the world. You can also change the numbers in the boxes to convert one currency value to another. In small view, it shows two currencies, but in full view you can add more. As an international student, I find this information invaluable in my daily life.

2. Weather

Where to get it: Included with Windows

What is does: It shows the current weather and temperature in a very eye-pleasing way. At night, it also shows the phases of the moon. In full view, it shows a three-day forecast. Handy to know if you should carry an umbrella or not.

3. All CPU Meter

Where to get it: Windows Live Gallery

What it does: Displays your CPU and memory usage, detailing cores and graphing through time. Much better than the included CPU Meter hands down. Also, it’s small and very unobtrusive, yet easily available with a simple Win+Space. Invaluable when running all my CPU intensive applications.

4. Wireless Network Meter

Where to get it: Windows Live Gallery

What it does: All CPU Meter’s networking sister, this handy gadget shows you the status of your current Internet connection, including wireless status, transfer rates, and again, a handy graph.

5. Battery Meter

Where to get it: Windows Live Gallery

What it does: This gadget is dead simple: it shows your current battery level with a beautiful, customizable graphic. There are nine slick skins to choose from, and you can also customize the size. If you’re running on battery power, it will also show the amount of time left before your battery dies. Very useful for notebook users who find the battery indicator in the system tray too small or bland.

6. I Forgot the Milk

Where to get it: Windows Live Gallery

What it does: Shows your Remember the Milk tasks from the lists you specify. You can add, complete and postpone tasks, but for most complex modifications you’ll have to resort to the web app. This gadget will let you customize everything from colors to size to time format. Unfortunately, it only work correctly when connected (it likes to spit out red error boxes every time it disconnects) and it doesn’t have any notifications. However, it it the best RTM gadget out there, with loads of functions and a slick interface.

7. Google Calendar Agenda

Where to get it: Windows Live Gallery

What it does: I Forgot the Milk’s calendar sister, this is the best choice if you want to have you Google Calendar on your desktop. If you plan your life GCal as much as I do, you’ll appreciate functions such as the ability to choose which calendars are displayed. It boasts nearly the same functions as the RTM gadget, but it also suffers from the same problems, such as connectivity and no notifications. However, it’s dead useful and no doubt the best GCal gadget out there.