"I need to keep better notes" - yeah, I know the feeling. I do have a number of shortcuts to various word documents on my desktop for things like system configuration, schematic CAD program info etc. that I try to keep up to date when I add a new version etc. But the link has to be right in front of you or you forget about doing it
I didn't spring for version 11, but I think I will go for version 12 (I only have a few of the Bix Packs). One thing I find very handy for my "notes" documents etc. is one of my favorite utilities - Snagit (Techsmith). It allows me to quickly grab a clip of a screenshot, config dialog or whatever and stick it in my word document. Often makes things much easier later trying to remember just how I got there ...
mikey