Using Keys for Short Cuts to Open Programs
In windows XP, there is a cool feature that would allow you to assign keyboard shortcuts to programs that you run frequently. Its a perfect solution to those who are tired of reaching for the mouse to open a program. There are two ways to assign keyboard shortcuts to open programs: one is through icons on your desktop or on your start menu. We will focus on the latter solution, which will be discussed shortly.
I recommend the latter since you will forget which icons have the assigned shortcuts and you won't want to spending minutes sifting through a desktop with icons splattered all over. So, to make your life easier and more organized, here is our trick:
Mouse over the Start button, right click and select either Open or Explore. A window will pop up with the directory of your start menu. In the start menu explorer window, create a new folder called Keyboard Shortcuts. This will help you find the icons quickly when the occasion calls for it. After creating the folder, copy and paste the icon of a program that you use frequently to the newly created folder, Keyboard Shortcuts. Repeat for additional shortcuts that you wish to have a shortcut assigned to it.
Now, here's how you add the shortcuts: simply right click on the icon and select properties. In the properties window, select the tab, shortcut and look for the text box, Shortcut key. The text box will be in the center of the properties window. Click on the text box and press the shortcut keys you wish to use to run the program. On a side note, the shortcut keys must begin with <ctrl>-<alt>, <ctrl>-<shift>, <shift>-<alt>, <ctrl>-<shift>-<alt> or a function key (F1 through F12 in most keyboards) and click on OK.
Presto! You have created a keyboard shortcut to open your favorite program without having to reach for your distant mouse