Windows 7 - 3 Ways to Start a Program

It’s said there are at least three ways to perform every Windows task.

Be as it may, the reason Windows offers so many choices is because one; it must cater to both novices and experienced users and two; by offering alternative ways to access a task a user can select the one that’s most convenient.

For example: Starting a program.

The most common method is via the Start menu by selecting All Programs, scrolling to the Program’s command and clicking on it. Although this is perhaps the most novice friendly way to find a program command, it can be a chore if you have to scroll through many programs and then a list of that program’s options. Example: When you click on Microsoft Office you’re presented with 9 programs and a folder containing 6 tools.

Another program startup method which is far more efficient and quicker is to pin a favorite program’s shortcut onto the Start menu or Desktop.

You could also use the Run dialog box on your Start menu to open a program. If you know the exact Startup command, by typing it in the box and clicking OK the program will start.

Windows XPers found the Quick Launch Toolbar useful. It was a simple matter to drag important Desktop shortcut icons onto it.

But what if you’re a Windows 7 user who rather than cluttering your Desktop with program startup shortcuts would prefer to Personalize your Desktop with an attractive digital photo or a background slide show of your significant other or your grandchildren.

I have but one Desktop shortcuts - my Recycle Bin. By eliminating all but one shortcut on my Desktop my Windows 7 Aero Glass slide shows e.g., Bing’s Best slide shows are truly something to behold.

How did I accomplish this and still have my preferred startups front and center?

I added program shortcuts to my Taskbar by:
1. Clicking on the Start button.
2. Selecting All Programs.
3. Right clicking on the program I wanted on the menu.
4. Selecting Pin to Taskbar in the context menu.

Note: You can arrange Windows 7 Taskbar shortcuts by clicking on and dragging them left or right.

Once your shortcuts are arranged to your satisfaction, the first ten program shortcuts added to the Taskbar are numbered from 1 to 10. So if Internet Explorer is in the No 2 position, you can either click on the shortcut or press your Windows key and numeral 2 to open it.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot