7+ Taskbar Tweaker is an interesting tool which allows you to customise the Windows 7 (and now Windows 8/ 8.1) taskbar in a variety of ways.

If you don't like the way Windows 7 groups items on the taskbar, for instance, then you can turn this off, either for everything or just pinned items.

Left-click a grouped item and you'll normally see a thumbnail preview of that application's open windows. But 7 Taskbar Tweaker can change this so that you'll cycle through those open windows, instead.

Other options allow you to change the middle-click action (you can create a new program instance, set focus to that application, minimise or close it), or replace jump lists with the standard window menu (Restore, Move, Size, Minimise and so on).

You're able to create useful new shortcuts in just a click or two. So by double-clicking or middle-clicking on empty taskbar space, say, you're able to show the desktop, display the Ctrl+Alt+Tab screen, launch Task Manager, turn your speakers on and off, and more.

And the mouse wheel functions are probably worth the download all on their own. You're able to control your system volume, minimise or restore windows, cycle between taskbar buttons and more, just by spinning the wheel in the appropriate place.