Make Your Computer Easier to Use - 
Doing Splits Doesn't Have to Hurt

split your screen into two windows

part 1 - control panel: basic definitions 

part 2 - monitor resolution: proper settings can make a difference 

part 3 - hot tips: users don't get enough training

part 4 - shortcuts: keyboard shortcuts for common tasks

part 5 - splits: using Windows Explorer for faster file transfer

part 6 - right click for power: Microsoft Powertoys 

Once the monitor resolution is properly set, it is possible to view more than one application at a time. You could have your word processor running in one window and your spreadsheet in another, switching between them by moving your cursor from one window to the other.

It is also possible to run multiple copies of some programs. The most useful of these is Windows Explorer. Most people know they can use it to find files on their computers, but many people don't realize that it is great for copying and moving files from one location to another.

double your pleasure

To get the most out of Explorer, launch it twice. Use the "my computer" desktop icon, or click the "Start" button, then "Windows Explorer" from the pop-up menu or one of its sub-menus. Do this twice, and you will have two separate instances of Explorer running in two separate windows.

Before we go on, let's take a look at some of the options that are available by using the taskbar (the strip at the bottom of the screen that has "Start" at the left end). Move your cursor to a blank spot near the right end of the taskbar and right-click. You will see a pop-up menu that includes "minimize all windows". Choose this option and all windows will disappear from the screen. They will still be running, but they will all be minimized.

Minimize all windows, then restore those you want to work with. In this case, we will choose the two instances of Explorer. Click on each in the taskbar and they will return to their original size. Now right-click again in an empty spot in the taskbar and choose "tile windows vertically". The result will be two Explorer windows sharing the screen (see example above).

In one window, select the folder (directory) that contains the files you want to copy or move. In the other window, select the destination folder. Now you can move or copy files back and forth without having to scroll up and down searching for a folder.

To safely copy or move files, use the right mouse key to drag them to a new location. Then choose the appropriate option from the menu: Move Here, Copy Here, Create Shortcut Here, or Cancel.

from the mailbag

Sarah Atkins sends in another way to minimize programs. "I find that it is often necessary to minimize all running programs in order to access an icon on my desktop. A fast way is to hold down the Windows key on the keyboard and type the letter "m". This minimizes all open windows and reveals the desktop!!" (This tip works only if you have the Windows key, found next to the Alt key.)

© 2000 Sheldon Wolfe, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, swolfe@bwbr.com 
on the web at www.CSI-MSP.org 
May 2000

Material from CSI Chapter newsletters used with permission.