While Windows has the ability to automatically schedule the execution of processes, it is quite limited with respect to handling more interesting process triggering criteria. For example, if you're looking for a way to run a specific process (defragmenting your hard drive, for example) before shutting down, Xecutor is the ticket.

It can automatically intercept the Windows shutdown command, and trigger your commands allowing them to execute to completion before actually shutting down the computer. Further, you can schedule certain tasks to occur only on certain days of the week, for example have system maintenance tasks fire on the weekend.

Xecutor is free for home use, but the developer requests that if you are going to use it at home that you send him a postcard.