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Many times I’m showing someone how to do something and there like, “how do you do that so fast? what are you doing?”
I’m being 50% more efficient than you, that’s what I’m doing. Not 48, not 51, but exactly 50% more. Here’s how.
Mouse - automatically move pointer to default button option
This is a kind of obscure and not often used function in windows. It’s in the Control Panel Mouse settings. Set it and forget it. Just this one alone will make you much quicker. If it feels weird at first, don’t worry, you get use to it.
Keyboard - use quick keys
This almost goes without saying. These are also called keyboard shortcuts. Things like Ctrl-C for copy and Ctrl-Tab for switching screens. Learn to use them…with one hand if possible, cause you just waste more time when you pause for 10 seconds while you get a finger from each hand to the keyboard and then end up falling out of your chair.
Quick launch
On your windows toolbar, set up shortcuts to your commonly used programs. This way your not always going searching through your programs or going to your desktop where half the internet is stored.
Organize your programs
I keep things in one of six folders Application, Accessories, Media, Internet, Utilities and Games. That simplifies things if I do need to find something in there.
Keep your desktop clean
This is more of an annoyance for me. I can’t stand getting on a desktop and trying to find something. Keep it clean so everyone can see that neat background you have.
These are just some typical way that you can increase efficiency in windows to be more productive. Got any others?
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Sometimes…I really wish you would stop re-organizing and cleaning my desktop!
My most used programs in the start menu are numbered, that way I can hit the windows key on the keyboard and the number and poof it’s there!
That’s a good idea Mike. How are you assigning the windows key to the program?
I’m calling the “Start Menu Key” the “Windows Key” on the keyboard, between Ctrl and Alt. I’ve always called it the windows key, just ’cause it’s got the logo, and “Start Menu Key” seams too wordy. If I tell my dad hit the “start menu key” on the keyboard he would more than likely look for a key labeled “Start”.
Anyway
For example I have a SolidWorks shortcut in my Start Menu as “3. SolidWorks”. I hit the Windows Key (old habits die hard) the number 3 and SolidWorks opens. I have Firefox as “1. Firefox” and so on. It works the same with letters but they are not as convenient as the number pad on the right.
Another thing I have is a custom toolbar in my taskbar, that reads kinda weird. Right click on the taskbar and select “toolbars” then “New Toolbar…”. I have a folder on my local drive called “SC” (short cuts). When selected it will put the folder name and a set of right arrows at the right side of your taskbar, left of the clock. The arrows are the button.
A lot of times I need to search network folders for files, I have the shortcuts to those folders in my SC folder. I can click (left or right mouse button) the button, right click the folder and select search and I’m off and searching. Since I have 1-9 in my “Start Menu” already, this toolbar works for other files too.
Mike, that is one of the best tricks. I thought the windows key was what you were talking about, but when I tried it on my work computer the start menu wasn’t popping up. works great here at home though. love it!
I use the shortcut bar on my task bar too. that’s where all my common programs sit. Thanks for the tips!
Try ActiveWords, changes how you use a PC forever by allowing launching apps, folders, documents, Websites, Outlook Info & actions(& anything else you can do with the keyboard) with a few keystrokes
See http://rcd.typepad.com/rcd/activewords-and-me.html
This free Desktop reset is brilliant if you nicely cleaned-up desktop gets mixed up by a resolution change or something;
See http://rcd.typepad.com/rcd/2008/02/jimmy-saves-my.html
Hey Robin, that ActiveWords looks great, it would save some time on entering html tags on post which would be so nice. Thanks.