Flying Start

Posted on 1 Jul 2002 at 12:22

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So you want to be a PC high-flier? You've come to the right place. Over the next few pages, we'll provide you with all the skills and information you'll need to take you from novice to know-it-all in 60 minutes.

Welcome to the Windows XP pilot's academy. You're in for a short, sharp shock. Over these six pages we'll work you hard. It won't be easy, but when you leave you'll be able to make Windows XP sing. You'll be the best of the best. If you think that sounds too bamboozling and you'll never get off the ground, don't worry. We'll have you up and running in no time. And if you already know a thing or two, we'll teach you more and make you better.
Your time in the academy will be very structured. You'll be expected to attend a number of briefings where basic and central pieces of Windows XP theory will be explained. There'll be a great number of practical exercises too. These classes will teach you to fly individual stunts. When you've mastered a good number of these you'll be able duck and dive around Windows like never before.
And when you're through with our preliminary briefings, the hardened pilots among you will have some tough missions to fly. These will take you to places in Windows where only eagles dare. Master them, and there'll be no denying your place in the pantheon of true Windows Aces. Chocks away!
Windows Key Shortcuts
The Windows logo key, at the bottom left of the keyboard, between Ctrl and Alt, provides a valuable set of shortcut keys to run the most frequently used Windows commands. And don't overlook the Applications key, located on the right hand side of the keyboard, beside the Ctrl key. It acts like a mouse right-click.
For instance, press the Windows key and 'E' to open My Computer. For a full list, see www.microsoft.com/ windowsxp/home/using/tips/personalize/keyboardsc.asp
Display Hibernate on Shut Down
The extra power-saving 'Hibernate' option doesn't appear when you select Start, Turn Off Computer. It's still available, though - just hold down the Shift key and it jumps into view, replacing the Standby option.
To ensure hibernation has been enabled, select Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, Power Options and click the Hibernate tab. If the Hibernate tab is not available, this facility isn't supported on your PC.
When hibernate is selected, everything in memory is saved on your hard disk. When you turn the computer back on, all active programs, documents and folders are restored.
Password Reminder
If you're concerned about forgetting your password, provide a hint to yourself when you set up or change the password. XP stores these password hints in the Registry at Hkey_local_machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Hints.
Add Icons to your Desktop
To add more icons to your desktop, locate the program icon or shortcut, right click and select Copy. Then right click an empty part of the desktop and select Paste Shortcut. For example, you could add a shortcut for Computer Management. To find this program, select Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, Administrative Tools.
Defrag your Disk!
After you've been using your computer for a while, files can become scattered across your hard disk, slowing down access. You can rectify this using XP's Defragmentation Utility (Start menu, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools). Select a drive and click Analyse to see its current status.
Defrag will recommend what action you should take, or you can View Report to identify specific files that need attention.