August 2015 Tech Tips – Desktop Icons & Shortcuts

Here’s your quick Tech Tip for the month of August to help you be more productive. As always, reach out anytime! We are here to help.

Sometimes it’s the little things that slip our minds! For example, creating a desktop shortcut (icon) for the program of your choice. It’s one of the simplest tasks, yet can take a bit of brain power to figure out if you happen to forget how to do it. This month, we’re going to highlight a few desktop tips and tricks that can make all the difference in the way you use your computer!
     

Creating a Desktop Icon
If there is a program that you would like to be easily accessibile, creating a desktop icon shortcut is simple and takes under 10 seconds.
Start Menu > Find the Program of Choice > Right-Click > “Send To” > “Desktop (create shortcut)”

Auto-Arrange Or Sort-By Icons
If your desktop is cluttered with many programs or documents, a quick way to re-gain your organization is to auto-arrange or sort them! These functions can also be done with a few clicks of the mouse. 
Right-Click > View > Select by Size, Grid Alignment, or Auto-Arrange
Right-Click > Sort By > Select by Name, Size, Item Type, or Date Modified 

Creating a Hotkey
A hotkey allows you to open a program by using your keyboard alone, with a combination of keys (such as “Ctrl+Alt+Del”). This can save a tremendous amount of time, and is extremely simple to set up.
Start Menu > Find the Program of Choice > Right-Click > Properties > Enter Desired Combination in “Shortcut Key” Box
   

We hope you’ll find these tips useful for any desktop woes you may have!

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!