Windows XP tips and tricks

Save time, solve problems, and have more fun with Windows XP using these tried-and-true tips.

Tired of chasing your mouse? Use keyboard shortcuts Why use your mouse if using your keyboard is faster? Save time with these shortcuts. Simplify using your mouse: change double-click to single-click Want to open files and folders with a single click? Follow these steps to change your settings. Set your windows so they all have the same view When you open a folder, do you prefer to see a detailed list of files, a row of thumbnails, or something else? Make all your folders open with your favorite view. Use a Web graphic for your desktop background Is there a picture on the Web you particularly like? Make it your desktop background so you see it whenever you use your computer. Speed up menu display Slow computer? Save time by making your menus display more quickly. Instantly activate a screensaver You don't have to wait several minutes for your screensaver to show up. Learn how to turn it on immediately. Manually put your computer into hibernation Make it easier to pick up where you left off using your laptop, without shutting it down or draining the battery. Learn how to put your computer into hibernation. Unlock toolbars to work with them If you can't move or resize a toolbar, it may be locked. Learn how to open it so you can make changes. Add familiar icons back to your desktop Did a favorite icon (such as My Computer, My Documents, or the Recycle Bin) disappear from your desktop? Use these steps to restore it. Change the default opening folder in Windows Explorer Windows Explorer opens showing the My Documents folder by default. Change the default opening folder so it displays other folders and drives. Schedule a task to defragment drives Is your computer getting slower? Your hard drive may need to be defragmented. Have Windows XP automatically do it once a week to keep your computer up to speed. Set up your computer so only one person can use it If someone needs to use your computer for a brief amount of time, activate a Guest account and then deactivate it when he or she is done. Move your taskbar to a new spot Don't like that taskbar at the bottom of your screen, or wish it could display more windows? Relocate the taskbar to make more room. Display the Quick Launch bar The Quick Launch bar is a list of shortcuts to your favorite programs. If it seems to be missing, learn how to bring it back. Add a shortcut to your desktop Want a faster way to get to that file or folder? Create a shortcut on your desktop so you can access it quickly. Time zones, Daylight Saving Time, and e-mail Don't get set back by time changes. If you travel or send e-mail between time zones, you can use Windows XP to help you with time adjustments. Windows XP can even adjust your clock for Daylight Saving Time. Create a personal screensaver using your photos Make a screensaver you'll love with the digital photos on your computer. Windows XP makes it easy. Use the On-Screen keyboard Learn how to use a mouse or joystick with the On-Screen keyboard instead of a regular keyboard to enter text. Create a keyboard shortcut to open a folder Open a folder with a few keystrokes. Learn how to create keyboard shortcuts for your favorite folders. Display the volume control icon in the taskbar Quick, turn that music down (or up)! If you listen to music on your computer, quickly turn the volume up or down by adding an icon to your taskbar. Add a picture to a folder Make browsing your folders more fun, and make it easier for children to open files. Replace the default folder icons in Windows XP with custom pictures. Change the picture on the Welcome screen In Windows XP, each user account has a standard picture associated with it (such as a chess set, a dog, or an astronaut). Make your user account more personal. Turn on the StickyKeys feature Want to use keyboard shortcuts, but find it hard to hold down two or three keys at a time? StickyKeys can help. Add new programs to your All Programs menu alphabetically If you're overwhelmed by the number of items listed on your All Programs menu, make it easier to find what you want by sorting them alphabetically. Install Windows XP Home Edition backup software If you're using Windows XP Home Edition, this utility makes it easy to create backup copies of your files. Adjust the vertical space between icons Is your desktop filling up with shortcut icons? You may still have room for more. Adjust the space between icons so more can fit on your desktop. Help save energy and the environment: put your monitor to sleep When you're away from your desk, put your monitor in low-power mode to save electricity and reduce the impact on the environment. Open the ClipBook (Clipboard) Viewer Want to quickly see what files you've cut or copied? Create a shortcut to the ClipBook Viewer, which shows the items you copied to the Clipboard. Organize your notification area If the area near your system clock (at the lower right of your screen) is getting cluttered with icons, use these tips to organize it. Tips for advanced users Already know the basics? Use these advanced tips to get more done and help to protect your computer and data.

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