Topaix Techies

Windows XP has some great capabilities that can let you supercharge your startup menu. You can customize the Start menu and taskbar and add shortcut of your favorite programs right into Start menu and taskbar with the help of Pin and Quick Launch. The possible two ways are discussed below:

1. Pin: You can pin programs from All programs list directly to Start menu.

For example - Pin Notepad to the Start menu:

1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.
2. Click Accessories and point to Notepad.
3. Right-click Notepad and click Pin to Start menu.
4. Click anywhere on the desktop to quit the Start menu.

This works for any program on your computer.

Removal is also easy. Follow the steps below to remove the Pin program from start menu.

Remove Notepad from the Start menu:

1. Click Start, and then point to the program you want to remove (in this case, you can say Notepad).
2. Right-click Calculator and click Unpin from Start menu.
3. Click anywhere on the desktop to quit the Start menu.

2. Quick Launch bar: Quick Launch bar serves the purpose of keeping other programs at your fingertips. Windows XP loads several programs in the Quick Launch by default, including Show Desktop. One click on Show Desktop minimizes all the programs on your desktop and another click restores them back in its previous status.

1. If the Quick Launch bar is not displayed, right-click an empty area on the taskbar and click Properties.
2. On the Taskbar tab, under Taskbar appearance, select the Show Quick Launch check box and click OK. Note: After Quick Launch is displayed, click Show Desktop to minimize all open programs. This is my favorite.

3. Shortcut Icons on Desktop: This is also very convenient and fastest way to access your program. You can place shortcut icons of your favorite files, folders or even program on your desktop and then can access them by just one click.

Placing a shortcut icon on the desktop:

1. Right-click Start, and then click Explore.
2. Locate the folder, file, or program in the Folders directory, and then click the item to open it.
3. Click the icon representing the item.
4. Click File on the toolbar, and then Create Shortcut on the drop-down menu that appears.
5. Right-click on the shortcut icon that is created.
6. Choose Send To from the drop-down menu, and then click Desktop (create shortcut) on the submenu that appears.