When you need to save a file with a name that is close to a name you already have in that folder, just click on one of the grayed-out file names in the folder and that name will appear in the Save as… box. So now you need only a minor adjustment to complete the new name. Works in any program AFAIK.
Go to the view menu in the Finder and select View Path Bar to show exactly where your current folder lives. And there’s more: control or right-click on any item in this location list to perform functions on it. Never lose your way on your badly-organised work network again!
This is a short and simple trick that will allow you to define how Finder windows display contents based on the folder you are view.
Eg. you might like to browse your documents folder in “cover flow” mode. Press Cmd-J (apple-J) and check the box to always open in “cover flow”. Just set your folder to the view you like, hit Cmd-J and make it permanent!
