28th June 2002

Lockergnomie Dilip Raj is quite a multitasker: "This tip is for those who load many programs at startup which are not always needed - but they're still loaded just so that they do not have to launch the program when it IS required. For example, I used to have my IM Client, a program that counts my time online, and DUMeter (which shows instantaneous connection speeds) all run at startup - even though I only needed them if I planned to go online. Now I double-click on a shortcut which loads these three programs simultaneously and then dials my ISP. Here's how to do it: (1) Create a new text file. (2) Change the extension from TXT to BAT. (3) Edit the file in a text editor and insert 'START [Path]' on separate lines for each program, sans quotes, with [Path] being the full disk path of (and up to) the EXE file. (4) Create a shortcut to this batch file. (5) In the shortcut properties dialog, select Run / Minimized, then tick the checkbox labeled 'Close on exit.' You could also change its icon and place this shortcut on the desktop or Quick Launch toolbar." Very cool, very easy. Beats the heck out of having to click on several sets of icons.