12 Quick Productivity Improvements

If your IT organization needs to show its value (and whose doesn't?) or show how it's improving the organization's productivity, read "12 quick IT productivity wins," by Dan Tynan.

Change Windows Explorer's Default Open At The Start Menu

When opening Windows Explorer in Windows XP, it takes a long time to open because the operating system reads through the listings of so many files in the default directories. It doesn't have to take so long if you change the default to open in a different directory, say the C:\Work directory. To change the default, set the target for a Windows shortcut to:

%SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe /n,/e,C:\Work

Best Time-Saving Tips For Vista

Read Robert Cowart's and Brian Knittel's article, "Top 16 Vista Time-Saving Tips," to help bring yourself up to speed on the new Vista operating system. Fortunately, these tips work on earlier versions of Windows, so they can be applied to other operating systems.

Microsoft Office 2007 Tips For The New UI Ribbon

There will undoubtedly be a slowdown as offices migrate to the new Microsoft Office 2007, especially with the new UI Ribbon, as office workers relearn how to use Office's features without the menus and toolbars they're used to. Read Christopher Elliot's article, "6 tips for increased productivity," and you'll be up to speed in no time.