Forum Posts Feed
OT: Desktop Shell
< Next Topic | Back to topic list | Previous Topic >
Posted by Bob Mackreth
Jun 5, 2007 at 01:47 AM
Stephen Zeoli wrote:
>
>I’ve been intrigued by PageFour. It
>seems simple and clean.
>
>Steve Z.
I’ll second that. I installed PageFour when it was on Giveaway of the Day a week or two ago, and was very favorably impressed by its usefulness and elegant design.
That much said, I will probably not use it too often, because I’m already using MyInfo in very much the same way, and there doesn’t seem to be much that PageFour can do that MyInfo can’t.
However, if you’re strictly looking for a writing tool, not a full-fledged information manager, PageFour is half the price of MyInfo and well worth a test.
Posted by Cassius
Jun 5, 2007 at 04:11 AM
Here’s a couple of ideas.
i use my desktop as
1. a temporary download bin until I decide where to put the stuff
2. A place to temporarily store program install files until I decide to install or to more permanently store (or dump) them
3. A place for new program shortcut icons so I don’t forget I have them.
To keep things in some(!?!) semblance of order, I have folders on the desktop to store some things. For example, a folder contains the setup programs I haven’t decided about. (I download them to desktop and then drag them to the folder.) Same for a folder that contains the shortcut icons for the newer programs I’m not used to using yet or may never use.
I use a LOT of keyboard shortcuts, which seem to work if the corresponding shortcut icon is somewhere in the Start menu or on the desktop (under Win XP):
CTRL+SHFT+... for program launches
ALT+SHFT+... for folder or file launches
CTRL+ALT+... for system stuff
For example, I can get to the desktop fast by using CTRL+ALT+D. I put the shortcut icon for this on the desktop Its properties are:
Target: “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Show Desktop.scf”
Start in: “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Show Desktop.scf”
Well, ... it works for me,...sort of.
-c
Posted by Tom S.
Jun 5, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Stephen Zeoli wrote:
>I don’t like using the Start button menu…
>too cumbersome, and I’ve tried limiting the number of icons in the quick launch bar
>(but maybe I should rethink this). So I’ve had icons all over my desktop.
Steve,
Try Launchy. Alt-space and type in the first couple letters of the program. Works like a charm and only requires a few keystrokes most of the time. Best of all its free.
Tom S.
Posted by Stephen Zeoli
Jun 5, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Thanks for all the good and interesting advice. I have learned a few things. This is why I value the people on this forum so much!
Steve Z.
Posted by Brad
Jun 5, 2007 at 08:47 PM
Steve,
Have you tried a program called True Launch Bar? It’s not very expensive, looks nice, is very customizable and hides out of sight ‘til you need it. They also make a free version with fewer options. I’ve never liked the clutter of lots of icons all over the desktop. I much prefer a nice screensaver/wallpaper program with constantly changing pictures on screen. Then when I need the Launch bar I just bring it up.