14th August 2001
The Windows Explorer has been around for some six years now, and many users have no idea what it's capable of in terms of customization and shortcuts. I've worn out a few keyboards in my day because I love keyboard shortcuts. I don't reach for the mouse unless I absolutely have to. When browsing files and folders, you can create a new folder quickly using a few keystrokes. Hit ALT+F to invoke the File menu, then ENTER twice to navigate through New | Folder. Enter the name desired and hit ENTER again to save it. Practice this process a few times and you'll be set. Leaps faster than using the rat, dontcha think? Folder shortcuts are a must, but I despise desktop clutter. I usually put them on the Start menu under a special folder that I've created. Start by creating a folder on your desktop; in it, place shortcuts to your most frequently accessed folders. When you've got everything rounded up, left-click and drag it to the Start button (then let go). Think ahead a bit about this folder's name, because if it has a unique initial character, you can use the keyboard to get there quickly by pressing the Windows key (or CTRL + ESC) and tapping the first character of that folder name to zip right to it; likewise, you could just use your Down Arrow key. Of course, you could have also put that folder of folder shortcuts onto your Taskbar for quick click access, too.