Of all the utilities included with Windows, Notepad is one of the most useful. It can be used for quick todo lists or editing a variety of files from configuration files to all kinds of programs.

The limited editing options do get frustrating, especially when dealing with large files. The lack of line numbers, for example, is a big problem. There are lots of alternatives, my favourite is Notepad++. Not only does it number lines, but it can also colour code text to make reading and writing programming code much easier.

I'm pleased, therefore, to see that Notepad++ is doing rather well in a survey on the Lifehacker website.

Also popular is Notepad2, which has a slightly cleaner interface.

The only snag as far as I'm concerned is the hassle involved in replacing notepad with one of the alternatives. I suppose replacing the browser is a far more common requirement. My solution is to use Launchy for starting apps. It seems to learn that I want Notepad++ not Notepad after a couple of selections. Alternatively Notepad++ adds an option to the right-click context menu.