7 Windows XP Time-saving Techniques You’re Not Using
computing, tech support September 7th, 2007In my line of work, I frequently stand over the shoulder of someone I’m helping with a PC problem. Often I ask them to replicate their problem and when I see how slowly they navigate through Windows I take the opportunity to show them a faster way. Their response is almost always "Oh my God. I’ve been doing it the hard way all these years!"
Improve your efficiency with these 7 time-saving techniques:
- Close programs via their Taskbar buttons. Don’t maximize each window, then close it by clicking "X" in the upper right corner. Instead, right-click the program’s button, then click Close.
- View your Desktop in one click instead of manually minimizing each open window until the Desktop is all that’s left in view. First make sure you have Quick Launch enabled. Right-click and empty area of the Taskbar, click Toolbars > Quick Launch. Now you will see the Show Desktop icon next to the Start button. When you want to quickly get to your Desktop, just click that icon.
- Stop digging around for Windows Explorer in the programs menu. Open it by right-clicking the Start button, then click Explore.
- Add program shortcuts to the Taskbar. First, enable Quick Launch in the Taskbar (right click the Taskbar, click Toolbars > Quick Launch). Next, unlock the Taskbar so you are able to resize it and make room for shortcuts (right click the Taskbar, click Lock the Taskbar to remove the checkmark). Finally, drag shortcuts to the Taskbar and release.
- Pin frequently used programs to the Start Menu (only available in the Windows XP Start menu, not the Classic Menu). Click Start > All Programs. Locate a favorite program, right-click on the program’s icon and select Pin to Start Menu. Now that program will always appear at the top of the Start Menu.
- Find files faster. When using Windows Explorer you can type the first letter of a file or folder and Explorer will jump to the first file or folder starting with that letter. Single left-click (not double click) on any folder or file, then type a letter to jump ahead to it.
- To grab several adjacent files at once using only your mouse, position your cursor just outside the files you want to encapsulate, then drag the mouse around the set of files you want to copy so they are shaded. Release the click and you’ll see the files have been selected and you can act on them all at once (copy, cut, move, delete, etc).
September 13th, 2007 at 12:31 am
That is so last century.
/I have a le Vista baby
//sorry
///not 🙂
September 13th, 2007 at 12:35 am
Maybe, but tell that to my sister who’s still using Win2000 at her office. I don’t know how she does it.
November 19th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Sure, I’ll comment on a 2-month old post…
I like to use the Windows key for shortcuts too. For example Windows-E will open up the Explorer window as well.
November 19th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Jeff — And I’ll agree with you. I use the Windows key with “M” (to minimize programs), and with “L” to lock my workstation all day long.
August 24th, 2008 at 3:55 am
End up here while doing some search on windows xp tips. Good tips for newbie, can’t be said the same for intermediate or advanced user. Keep up the good work
badxp’s last blog post..Windows server 2008 R2
August 24th, 2008 at 5:07 am
badxp — Yes, for a newbie. I’m always surprised these simple tips go unknown to a lot of people. Incidentally, this blog turned into a humor blog since I wrote this, so there won’t be any Vista tips!
October 8th, 2008 at 4:52 am
Nice tips.. For the third tip I prefer Win+E rather than using two mouse clicks.. What do you say??
TechnoSamrat’s last blog post..Blaze Media Pro – Powerful all-in-one Video and Audio Converter, Editor and Ripper
October 8th, 2008 at 5:53 am
TechnoSamrat — Yes, that’s fine, too. I think I’m so used to the right-click thing. Hard to change old habits, eh?