Windows Phone 8 enables you to choose the apps you want them to display its status on the lock screen of your phone. For instance a notification that you just got a new Gmail email.
Neat little trick to force the preview images of running programs in Windows 7 taskbar or a so called Aero Peek, to show instantly with no delay at all.
In this day of age, it's very practical to have a Windows 7 installation on your USB key, for many netbooks and devices don't come with CD/DVD drives anymore.