Modifying Quick Launch

The Quick Launch toolbar consists of a bunch of small icons immediately to the right of the Start button, and it rates as one of the most useful features in all of Windows. Yet you might never have used it before - some versions of Windows hide the toolbar unless you specifically bring it out. You can make the Quick Launch toolbar appear in two easy ways:

• Right-click any empty spot on the Windows taskbar and choose Toolbars. Click to check the line that says Quick Launch.
• Check the Show Quick Launch box on the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box.

Deleting Quick Launch icons

Depending on who paid your computer manufacturer to plaster your copy of Windows with unnecessary junk, you may have several icons in your Quick Launch toolbar. Fortunately, it's easy to get rid of the ones you don't want: Right-click any offensive icons and then click Delete.

Don't delete the Show Desktop icon - the one that looks more or less like a pencil scribbling on a piece of paper. Getting it back is not too difficult, but it is much easier to just refrain from deleting it in the first place. That icon can save your bacon at times. If a rogue program takes over your machine and won't let go, the easiest way to switch over to the desktop is via that little icon.