Some of my favorite kinds of freeware apps to find (and install) are the ones that build new functionality into the Windows operating system.  I'm running Windows 7 right now, but even this latest version of Microsoft's OS has substantial room for third-party improvements.

It's not difficult to find free or open-source apps to boost the common interactions one has with one's operating system.  The tough part is in the classification: I'm really not sure how to best lump this week's applications together, save for the fact that they're all awesome ways to enhance Windows with new and useful features.  And I'm not talking about super-complex, command-line scripts or what-have-you.  No, these apps are all super-easy to use-if you even see them at all, given that most will modify some form of your Windows OS without needing any further interaction past the installation screen.

Anyway, if you can think of a better way to classify this week's Freeware Files other than, "Apps that Make Windows Rock," I'm all ears.  Otherwise, click the jump and get ready to take your operating system to new places!