First Blog! Toolbars – Why don’t you use them?!
It seems that everytime I sit down at someone’s computer that either don’t have the basic toolbars showing; or if they do they are not utilizing the toolbar correctly. I would suggest using your Quick Launch (Windows) and Links (Internet Explorer) toolbars. I am constantly using them.
The Quick Launch toolbar is that toolbar at the bottom left of your screen. Right next to the start button. I usually turn it on for people that don’t have it running. The easiest way to turn it on it to right-click your task bar and go to toolbars. You will want to make sure that the Quick Launch option is marked.
The next the that you will want to do is to make sure that you have the common programs you use are in the Quick Launch toolbar. The whole reason for this toolbar is so that you can quickly launch those programs you run all the time.
I have the Show the Desktop feature, Internet Explorer and the Snipping Tool in mine. For more information on the Quick Launch Toolbar, here is a link to Microsoft’s Knowledge Base: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/171206
Now on to the Links toolbar. I have fully customized my (and my wife’s) Link’s toolbar to include those websites that I go to on a regular basis. The Links toolbar is a default folder within Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Browser. To turn this feature on at the top of your browser; just right-click at the top of your browser and choose the Links option. This will display any bookmark that you have put into your Link folder in your bookmarks. Once it is on the top of your browser you can easily drag-and-drop links into it. I always rename the bookmarks to short names, so that I can view more of the links. Below is the top of my browser; showing the Links that I have chosen. I have Google, my online banking, Wikipedia, IMDb, my fantasy sports, my indoor soccer schedule, MySpace, my work email, espn, eBay, Sacramento Bee, online Backgammon, Craigslist and online Gin. I think that it saves so much time by just having to click once then type in a website, especially if it is somewhere that I go all of the time.
For more information on the Links Toolbar, here is a link to Microsoft’s Knowledge Base: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/171228
I think that is enough of a rant for now…let me know what you think and how you utilize your toolbars.
March 6, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Hi Randy,
Good blog. I too love the Quick Launch. Whenever I help people with their computers and they don’t have it turned on, I turn it on for them. It makes it so easy to get back to their desktop when they have lots of windows open. I really couldn’t function without mine turned on!
Debi
March 19, 2008 at 12:22 pm
This kinds of panes are much easier to clean up than home window panes!
Great tip!
m
March 24, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Welcome to the Blogiverse! Nice to see you here and great tip!
Utilizing the Quick Launch is handy whether you’re managing a couple of favorite programs or 2 monitors and a heavy load! I also customize my browser toolbar with easy access to my Google Reader and favorite blogs…guess I’ll need to make room for a new one!
March 25, 2008 at 10:42 am
Look forward to learning a lot from your blog Randy.
I always feel bad calling and bugging you all the time.
-Rockey
March 26, 2008 at 9:47 am
Like Rockey says, this will save you a lot of phone calls! I will set up a link to my Blog; http://fairoaksca.blogspot.com/