Windows Tips
Random Tips when using the Windows OS
Good Process
-
Use Windows (⊞) Key + Search Strings
Instead of relying on memorization of spatial routes to programs, use the Windows key to search for and run your programs.
For example, ⊞, “edit env”, Enter will bring up Environment Variables window without having to route through System Properties. -
Use the Run Window
Accessible with ⊞+R, this lets you Open files and folders with the added bonus of storing successful actions in a list that you can navigate through with the Up and Down keys. -
Unclutter your Desktop
Keep as few files as possible on your desktop. Ideally you would have the just the Recycle Bin and a folder of frequently used shortcuts.
Files and Folders
- Avoid Spaces and Special Characters in names of files and especially folders.
- Avoid using “Program Files” folders where possible and instead organize your programs by collective purpose at the root of your local drive
- Avoid mixing folders and files i.e. keep files organized inside folders where possible
Useful Tools
- WinDirStat
A great utility for discovering what’s taking up all your disk space. - RapidEE
Editing environment variables has improved in Windows 10 but RapidEE sports more useful features like identifying bad entries. Absolute Uninstaller
Batch uninstallation is still not possible, something sorely needed when installing Visual Studio dev tools.- 7Zip
Superior compression and decompression. Compressed Folders tends to take forever in comparison. - Everything
Windows Search is very unpredictable. With Everything, you can accurately search using operators, macros and even regex.
Date: August 27, 2018
Tags:
tips