For Windows Vista/XP Computers:

Right-click on top of the Start button (usually in the lower left corner of the screen) and select “Open”. Double-click the Programs folder, and then use Cut and Paste (under the Edit Menu or Organize if you’re using Vista) to add or remove shortcuts or folders. You can, for example, “Cut” or “Copy” a shortcut from your Desktop and paste it into your Start Menu, or vice versa. If you want to rename anything, right-click on the folder or shortcut and select “Rename” from the menu. HINT: You can also “right-click-and-drag” Start Menu items directly in the menu (i.e., you don’t need to right-click on the Start Menu and select “Open”).

For Macintosh OS X Computers:

To add programs to the Dock, simply drag them onto it. To remove them from the Dock, drag them to the trash.

*BONUS* TIP: How to Add Shortcuts to the Quick Launch Toolbar

On a Windows 2000/XP/Vista computer, you have a toolbar along the bottom called the “Quick Launch Toolbar,” which enables you to open programs with just one click. (If, by the way, you double-click certain icons, you’ll accidentally open two copies, which can sometimes drain system resources. If your computer is running slowly, make sure you aren’t double-clicking Telnet!) To add program shortcuts to it, right-click-and-drag the shortcut from your Start Menu down to the toolbar until you see a black, vertical line (On Windows Vista this will turn into a blue arrow). Release the mouse button and then select “Copy Here.” To remove a button, just right-click on top of it and select Delete.

Last revised on 06/10/08

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