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A shortcut is a more direct route than the normal one; a way of saving time or effort. Like taking a shower with your clothes on so you don't have to shower and wash clothes. Please remove the body from the clothes before throwing them in the dryer.
In Windows, a shortcut is a quick way to start a program or open a file or folder without having to go to its permanent location in Windows Explorer. Shortcuts are especially useful for programs, files, and folders you use frequently. Shortcuts can be created in a folder, on the desktop and in submenus of the Programs menu.
Creating a shortcut in a folder
In My Computer or Windows Explorer, click the folder in which you want to create the shortcut. On the File menu, point to New, and then click Shortcut. Follow the instructions on the screen.
That didn't do much for you? A shortcut can also be created by right-clicking on a file in a folder and choosing Create Shortcut. Now you can choose Edit/Cut or Edit/Copy and Edit/Paste the shortcut to any folder by using Windows Explorer to manuever to the folder of your choice.
More? Try this. With Windows Explorer open, "drill down" (nerd speak for manuever) to a folder using the left window pane. In the right window pane, hold the right mouse button down while dragging the file, program, folder, printer, or computer to the folder in the left pane. Release the right mouse button over the folder and select Create Shortcuts(s) Here.
Put a shortcut on the desktop
In My Computer or in the right pane of Windows Explorer, click the item, such as a file, program, folder, printer, or computer, for which you want to create a shortcut. On the File menu, click Create Shortcut. Drag the shortcut icon onto the desktop.
You can accomplish the same thing much quicker. In the right window pane, hold the right mouse button down while dragging the file to the desktop. Release the right mouse button and select Create Shortcuts(s) Here.
Add a new submenu to the Programs menu
Right-click Start, and then click Open. Click the Programs folder to select it. Click the File menu, point to New, and then click Folder. Type the name that you want to use for the submenu. Press ENTER, and then open the folder you just created. On the File menu, point to New, and then click Shortcut. Use the Create Shortcut wizard to add items to the submenu. You can also cut and paste shortcuts into the new folder or right-click and drag into the new folder.
More on Shortcuts
To change any settings for the shortcut, such as what kind of window it starts in, right-click the shortcut, and then click Properties.
To delete a shortcut, drag it to the Recycle Bin. The original item still exists on the disk.
For more information on shortcuts, folders, Windows desktop, browser, and title bar, click the Windows Start button and choose Help. Select the Index tab and type one of the above in as a keyword. It's that simple!
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last modified
Monday December 20 2004
© 2000 - David Seibold
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