7th February 2002

Like many of you, I'm what they call a "visual" learner. Show me something and I'll remember it for years to come. My other senses are no less important, but I tend to "see" faces instead of "hear" names. Why, then, should Internet Explorer's Favorites be so unappealing to the eye? Each one is a shortcut to a URL. Combine this structure with the Thumbnail feature of the Windows Explorer and you've got magic on your hands. "I remember the site had a green theme, and... I'd know it if I saw it." Well, see it! Simply double-click one of your Favorites folders (in IE's Favorites menu, if you're so inclined). Now, select "Thumbnail" as the folder's View style. If this is not an option, you may need to enable it for that particular folder (found in its Properties sheet). This is a quick way to scout for 404s, too. Obviously, those with faster Internet connections will have their thumbnails displayed quicker. However, each of them should be cached (just like any other image would be) for future viewing. Stop guessing. Start going!