For weeds in driveway, sidewalk, and paver cracks, one solution is to pour boiling water on them. If it's a hot sunny day, pour white vinegar over each weed. And for a third idea, I've seen city crews go along with a torch burning weeds to a crisp. A small propane torch commonly used in automotive shops to free up rusted bolts would work as a weed killer.
For large patches of weeds in an area you which to remain plant free, such as mulch pathways or under play ground equipment. Weed whack the plants to ground level, then put down cardboard, and cover with fresh mulch or rocks. For added protection and to keep the cardboard intact longer, roll out weed cloth on top of the cardboard before putting down the mulch.
For planting areas, the easiest thing is to weed whack them before they send out seeds. Just repeat as often as necessary to keep a clean look. A thick layer of mulch will smother many of them, as well as, covering up weed seeds so they don't get the warm sun to make them sprout. The same thick layer of mulch is great for hand picking weeds, they will pull out easily.
Lastly for weed prevention, first off disturbing the soil will often bring up buried seeds. Add soil amendments as you plant, for established plants just add the amendment on top without raking it in. And again keep a thick layer of mulch and organic matter to make what weeding you have to do easier.
Another tip for weed control is to plant, fast growing annuals and other native hardy plants that will shade out the weeds chance. Here in California our local poppy is great for completely covering an area with golden flowers, choking out everything else.
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