Bring up a command prompt, pointing to any folder

Slowly, as each new version of Windows debuted, it seemed the venerable Command Prompt kept getting shuffled closer and closer to the exits, resigned to submenus or deep into obscure context menus and kept breathing only with the help of add-on software like Microsoft’s Power Toys. If you’ve still got a space in your heart for the stark prompt, though, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s at least holding its own in Windows 7.

Without installing any special software, you can launch a Command Prompt from any folder, and the prompt will emerge automatically pointing at that folder. (This was possible in Vista, too.) All you need to do: Find the folder in Windows Explorer or on the Windows Desktop, hold down the Shift key, and right-click the folder. In the context menu that unfolds, select the option Open command window here. (This option only appears when the Shift key is included in the action sequence.) You’ll get that comforting old monochrome window ready for your “DIR” command:
 

 
This isn’t the only way to launch a prompt, of course. You can still find the familiar Command Prompt launcher option in the Start menu, under All Programs > Accessories, which you can pin to the taskbar if you’re a real command-line aficion. (To pin it, right-click Command Prompt in the Start menu, left-click on Pin to taskbar.) And if you really use the prompt enough to make a desktop shortcut worthwhile, too, navigate in Windows Explorer to C:\Windows\System32, find the file cmd.exe, right-click on it, choose Send To from the pop-up menu, and select the Desktop (create shortcut) option to make a discrete icon happen.