Is there something I can do to add Notepad to these lists, to save the extra hassle?
First thing I do with a new PC is put a shortcut to windows explorer and notepad on my desktop.
Navigate to Notepad in the Start/menu structure under Accessories. Right click on Notepad and send it to Desktop.
Now, navigate to hosts file in explorer, drag it on top of the notepad icon you just put on the desktop, and drop it. Notepad will open using the file you just dragged.
Will work with any text files you have lying around in your filesystem and you want to quickly look at.