Technology Tips & Treats

Delta Kappa Gamma Texas State Organization

MAY 2012
Volume 1, Issue 10

Getting the Most from Windows

When you converted from an older version of Windows to a newer one, it probably took you awhile to adjust to the new format. Once you became comfortable with it, if indeed you ever did, then you probably picked up where you left off and computed along. Rarely do experienced users fully utilize the new features of an upgraded version of Windows. Below are some useful features that can enhance your computing experience in both Windows XP and Windows Vista, if you still use them, and Windows 7.

In Windows XP, you can customize the Quick Launch Bar to create convenient shortcuts to your favorite programs, folders, and files. The Quick Launch Bar remains accessible from most windows, so its a handy way to open the applications and files you frequently use. If the Quick Launch Bar isnt already visible to the right of the Start button , youll need to turn it on. To do that, right-click an open area of the taskbar. Hover your mouse pointer over Toolbars, then click Quick Launch. The Quick Launch Bar appears on your taskbar.

To add a program shortcut to the Quick Launch Bar, click the Start button , click All Programs, then click and drag the application you want to the Quick Launch Bar. Release the mouse button and the applications icon appears in the Quick Launch Bar. To add a folder or file shortcut to the Quick Launch Bar, open Windows Explorer, navigate to the folder, subfolder, or individual file you want, click and drag the folder or file you want to the Quick Launch Bar. Release the mouse button and the icon for the folder or file appears in the Quick Launch Bar. To remove a shortcut from the Quick Launch Bar, right-click on the icon in the Quick Launch Bar of the application, folder, or file you want to remove and right-click it, click Delete, and then click Yes when asked if youre sure you want to delete the shortcut. Note: Although the shortcut is removed from the Quick Launch Bar, the actual application, folder, or file has not been deleted from your computer.

Source: Microsoft at Home and Work Newsletter

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In Windows Vista, you can add folders to Favorite Links in the navigation pane so that you can open them from any folder window at any time. To do this,

Open the folder that contains the subfolder you want to add. (Example: In Documents locate DKG.) Then simply drag its icon from the original folder (Documents) to where you want it in the navigation pane (See diagram). You can also click Folders at the bottom of the pane and drag a folder from the folder list up into the Favorite Links section of the pane. (You cant add individual files to Favorite Links, but you can add them to any folder in Favorite Links).

If you have Windows 7, you can create Jump Lists, which are lists of recently opened items (such as files, folders, or websites) organized by the program that you use to open them. You can use a Jump List to open items, and you can also pin favorites to a Jump List so you can quickly get to the items that you use every day. To view the Jump List for a program, click Start, point to a pinned program or to a recently used program (Example Word Pad) near the top of the Start menu, and then point to or click the arrow next to the program. To open an item, click Start, point to a pinned program or to a recently used program near the top of the Start menu to open the program's Jump List, and then click the item.

To pin an item to a Jump List, click Start, and then open the program's Jump List. Point to the item, click the pushpin icon, and then click Pin to this list. To unpin an item, click Start, and then open the Jump List for the program. Point to the item, click the pushpin icon, and then click Unpin from this list.

Tip of the Month

If you are using Windows 7 or Windows XP, you can get the full picture when viewing photos in either Explorer or Windows Media Player. After opening a photo, click the F-11 key. You get a full screen view with the toolbars and title bar out of the way. To undo the full screen view and return to normal, just press the Esc key. (In Windows Vista, the picture will probably default to Windows Photo Gallery.)
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This the tenth issue of Technology Tips & Treats. This is a monthly publication created by the 20112013 Technology Committee. Our goal is to provide you with the most up-to-date technology information to assist you and your chapter in the 21st Century! Please let us know what you think of our newsletter at sreddingdkg@gmail.com, Shelly Redding, Technology Committee Chairman. .