Lightning Launches

>>TIP The fastest way for me to launch folders and applications is to set up a priority system for Windows' many launch pads. I do this by dividing applications--and other shortcuts--into three priority levels based on how often I use them: keyboard, Quick Launch, and custom menu.

Keyboard launches: I assign a keyboard shortcut for the files and applications that I launch many times a day, such as the volume control. Simply right-click an application shortcut in the Start menu or on the desktop and choose Properties. Make sure the Shortcut tab is in front. Click in the 'Shortcut key' box and press your desired shortcut keys. Windows requires that your shortcut use at least two modifier keys ( Ctrl, Shift, or Alt), unless you press a function key or a key on the numeric keypad. Click OK, and your new keyboard shortcut is finished. If you change your mind later on, just return to this dialog box, click in the 'Shortcut key' box, and press Backspace. Then click OK and restart Windows.

Quick Launch openings: Second-priority items I access via the Quick Launch bar. (If you don't see it, right-click the taskbar, choose Toolbars, and make sure Quick Launch is checked.) Drag any application, folder, or document icon to the toolbar to create a tiny icon that launches that item. I prefer to limit the Quick Launch toolbar to between six and eight icons to keep it from becoming cluttered and to make spotting individual icons easier. Keeping Quick Launch small also allows more room on the taskbar for other items.

Custom menus: To handle third-priority items, I make custom submenus off the Start menu. Begin by creating subfolders inside the Start Menu folder. Right-click Start, choose Open or Explore, and select File, New, Folder. Then add a sensible number of shortcuts to each subfolder you create. Those shortcuts will appear on a menu when your new Start menu subfolder is highlighted. If a menu gets longer than 20 or so icons, it may be time to break that folder into two separate folders.

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