Launchy is a great freeware (open source) software that launches your windows program like the Mac OS X's Spotlight function. Basically you can call the program via hotkey of your choice then type the name of the program or file you want to launch, and that's all there is to it. You just have to configure it a bit to recognize directories and files but the great thing about it is how intuitive the whole process really is for the PC user. I have actually removed all of my icons and I can launch anything I want with no problem. One quick thing, the program also has an algorithm (or AI?) that remembers what you are typing, so if you type Firefox a lot, you can just type "f" or "fire" and the program will show up like the picture above.
Go check out their site at www.launchy.net
