Use the Quick Launch Toolbar

Another easy way to launch frequently used programs is through the Quick Launch toolbar. With the Quick Launch, you get two great benefits in a single feature: an uncluttered desktop and one-click access to programs.

The Quick Launch toolbar is part of the default XP interface, located on the left side of the Taskbar. It is also locked by default. If you want to edit its contents, you first have to make sure that the Quick Launch toolbar is unlocked and visible. To do so, follow these steps:

1.	Right-click an empty area of the Taskbar.
2.	Make sure the check box next to Lock the Taskbar is cleared.
3.	If you don't see the Quick Launch section, right-click an empty area of the Taskbar again and choose Toolbars | Quick Launch.

Now you can use the Quick Launch almost the same way you use the Start Menu. If you want to create a shortcut to a program, right-click and drag a Start Menu shortcut and drop it onto the Quick Launch toolbar. When you release the mouse button, choose either Copy Here or Create Shortcut Here from the context menu that appears. You could also use the same right-click-and-drag procedure to move desktop shortcuts to the Quick Launch toolbar.

To turn off the Quick Launch toolbar, right-click the Taskbar and unselect the Quick Launch item from the Toolbars section.