The OneMinute Geek
The Problem:
My computer’s desktop is a huge cluttered mess of shortcuts, recent downloads, common programs and a few errant files. It captures who I am – both the good and the bad. But how can I leverage that space for even greater thrills?
The Solution:
Ever open a gazillion windows and want to get back to the Desktop without closing or resizing each one? Take a lose look at your Microsoft Windows Toolbar, the one located at the base of your screen. On the left side you will see the Start button. Slowly move your cursor over the tiny icons located just to the right of the Start button. See the one called Show Desktop? Click on it and your computer will show only your desktop. Don’t worry. Any windows you may have had open are still there. They’re just minimized. Now click on the Show Desktop icon. Presto! Everything comes back. Pretty cool, eh?
OK. Let’s try one more thing. Get to your Desktop and put your cursor on top of any one of the icons. Left click on your mouse, choose Properties and then click on the button called Change Icon. Choose the icon design you like, click OK and then Apply. Now you have a new icon.
Can’t find one you like? Go to www.iconarchive.com for over 10,000 free icons.
Want to make an icon change for all files of a certain type? For example, change all the Word icons to something cooler?
- Double click on My Computer
- Click on the Tools menu and then choose Folder Options
- Click on the file type you want to change and then click on the Advanced button
- Click on Change Icon. Choose the new one and then click OK and then OK again and then Close.
So many steps! But now you are in control. Have fun.
James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Send questions, comments and suggestions to help@supergeeks.net or call 942-0773.
