I miss the days when I used to run Linux where any apps can be launched with a few simple keystrokes.

A while ago, I was reading thru Lifehacker: 88 Tech Tricks to Turbocharge Your Day when I came across the following trick that allows you to use Windows run command to easily launch any apps you want. I find it really useful as I don’t have to search thru the menu or hunt for the shortcut on my cluttered desktop. I now have this setup on both my home and work PC.

If the following looks too daunting or you prefer something fancier, try Launchy instead. Launchy is a free Windows utility designed to help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager.

Instructions

1. Create a new folder on your desktop and name it ‘Shortcuts’.
2. Add the new folder to the PATH environment variable.
   1. Go to the System Properties control panel. A quick way to get there is thru Start > Run. Type in ‘sysdm.cpl’ and hit OK.
   2. Go to the Advanced tab and click on Environment Variables.
   3. Under System variables, select Path and click Edit.
   4. Add the folder you created in Step 1 to the Variable value. If unsure what to do, add ‘;C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Desktop\Shortcuts’ (without quotes) to the end of the existing value.
   5. Keep hitting OK till you are out of System Properties.
3. For the final step, add shortcuts of whatever programs you want to launch to the Shortcuts folder. You can rename the shortcuts to whatever you wish.

To launch an application, fire up Windows Run dialog (Win+R). Enter the name of a shortcut and hit OK. That’s all there is to it.

If you’ve never read the book, it’s well worth the read. I suggest you pick a few tips that’s most useful to you and apply them rather than trying them all. This way, there’s a better chance that you’ll stick to it.

Lifehacker also has a website at lifehacker.com that offers more useful tips.