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Windows: If you like your software open-source you’ll definitely want to check out UltraDefrag a snappy open-source Windows disk defragmenter.

UltraDefrag is available as a portable application and in a GUI and ultra lightweight command-line only version—the lightweight version is designated as “micro” in the download list and is at the top of the screen, make sure to scroll down for the GUI version if you want to interact with the program like in the screenshot above.

With UltraDefrag you can defragment your entire disk, defragment based on the file and folder—handy if your disk defragmentation is limited to a handful of frequently edited and altered files—and set it up to defragment during the boot process to access files Windows usually has locked.

UltraDefrag is open-source and available for 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows. Have a favorite tool for managing your disks? Let’s hear about it in the comments.

Mac only: One convenient Windows feature missing in OS X is the ability to quickly create a new text file in the current folder. By simply dragging a small Applescript-turned-application to Finder’s toolbar, this dream quickly becomes reality.

There are any number of reasons you’d need a quick text file in the working folder—if you’re working with icons, testing a new file-based tweak, or just need to make an immediate note—the context menu solution Windows implements is much faster than opening up TextEdit and navigating to the directory to save it. Luckily, this Applescript is an easy solution. Just unzip the file and save the application somewhere on your computer (it doesn’t really matter where, but just make sure you don’t delete it by accident later), and then drag it up into Finder’s toolbar where you want it. Next time you want to create a new text file in the current folder, all you need to do is click your newly-created Finder button—simple as that.

Windows only: Learning through repetition is a proven method for learning new information. Freeware application Memoriser brings that repetition to the screen you stare at all day with a digital approach to flash cards.

Memoriser pops up questions at predetermined intervals while you use your computer to quiz you on whatever you’re trying to memorize. Similar to previously mentioned Mac-only flash card application Genius, Memoriser tracks the questions you get wrong and quizzes you more often on the ones you have the most trouble with.

Questions can be grouped into categories and each question can be individually toggled on or off. The one-at-a-time method of entering questions can be a bit slow, but you can hand-edit the questions.ini file in the Memoriser install folder if you feel comfortable with plain text. Memoriser is freeware, Windows only.

Let us know your best tricks for getting the stuff you need to know into your brain in the comments.

Windows only: Free application Explore&Burn adds an entry to your right-click context menu that allows you to quickly burn files and folders to CD or DVD.

This right-click utility is dead simple: Click any file, folder, or disk image (e.g., ISO, IMG), select the Burn to disc context menu option, and go through the very quick burning wizard. The application supports most types of burnable media (including Dual Layer discs) and skips the bloat that accompanies a lot of burning software, opting instead for a completely pared down interface and footprint.

Explore&Burn is freeware, Windows only.