To make your Start Menu much more useful than the defaults -
Right Click on the Start button and select Properties
1. Click Customise on the Start Menu and on the General tab/Programs, change the number to 14
2. On the Advanced tab/Start Menu items, if not already selected, choose
Control Panel - Display as a link
My Computer - Display as a link
My Documents - Display as a link
My Music - Display as a link
My Pictures - Display as a link
Network Connections - Display in Connect To Menu
System Administrative Tools - Display in All Programs and the Start menu.
3. Click Apply and OK
4. Go to Start/All Programs and on each of your favorites, Right Click/Pin to Start Menu.
Now when you click on the Start button, all your favorites will be in the left pane, while in the right pane Administrative Tools will give you quick access to Computer Management, Event Viewer, and Services.
Another handy shortcut is to hold down the Winlogo key (between Ctrl and Alt) and press the Pause/Break key. This will bring up System Properties where you will have access to many features related to your PC.
Cheers
