6th November 2000

Coming from the "Maximizing by Minimizing" department, a Lockergnomie suggests that programs are best launched but not seen. Still looking to milk some speed out of your system? One thing's for sure: when run, a program will (always) consume resources. If you don't want Windows to load the user interface, why suck up the extra cycles? Since the OS doesn't have to render the window's shape, data, components, etc., a program may be 'ready to use' faster if you start it in a minimized state. Right-click on any shortcut (including those in your Start Menu) and pull up its properties; when asked how to 'Run' it, select the 'Minimized' option. Don't expect this tactic to save resources -- only initial program launch time. Slower systems may see the biggest difference -- especially with the "heavier" applications. BONUS: to view a program's context menu, use the SHIFT+F10 keyboard shortcut.