The Calculator applet that comes with Windows XP is basically the same as the one that came with Windows 3.0. If you've always wanted an updated Calculator applet with some more advanced features, you owe it to yourself to download and install Microsoft Calculator Plus.
Microsoft Calculator Plus has a vastly improved interface over the old version, and even sports a transparency feature that allows you to see through it when it is on the screen but not the active application. If you prefer, you can change the interface to Classic View, so it looks just like the native Windows XP Calculator while maintaining its advanced features.
In addition to the Standard and Scientific views, Calculator Plus provides you with a very comprehensive Conversion view. In fact, there are 11 conversion categories, which include such items as Length, Volume, Weight, and even Currency. (To update the available currency values, pull down the Edit menu, and select the Import ECB Exchange Rates command.) While the layout and operation of the Currency conversion feature may behave erratically, it does work.
Keep in mind that Microsoft Calculator Plus, like the Microsoft PowerToys, is a free product and not officially supported by Microsoft.
Note: This tip applies to both Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home.
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