Desktop Icons?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Anubis

No Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
78,712
427
126
tbqhwy.com
Originally posted by: thesurge
they can be disabled?

yes, in windows XP they are all of except the recysle bin, that is done in the start menu properties, need to use the XP start menu for it

you can use a program called TweakUI or Xtec to remove the recycle bin also or any icons you want in classic view
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,392
407
126
Topic Title: Desktop Icons?
Topic Summary: yeah or nah?

no.

<-- :heart:s the Quick Launch toolbar, no need to minimize windows to launch a program :)
 

Malak

Lifer
Dec 4, 2004
14,696
2
0
Originally posted by: Xyclone
I have one row on the left (for games), and one row on the right (for apps). ;)

You can setup a folder to hold your shortcuts, then put the folder in the taskbar as another menu. This way your desktop is clean and it's easy to find your stuff. When I used explorer that's what I did. I switched to Litestep a long time ago though, it's a lot easier to find a theme better suited to your needs with it.
 

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
Originally posted by: Malak
Originally posted by: Xyclone
I have one row on the left (for games), and one row on the right (for apps). ;)

You can setup a folder to hold your shortcuts, then put the folder in the taskbar as another menu. This way your desktop is clean and it's easy to find your stuff. When I used explorer that's what I did. I switched to Litestep a long time ago though, it's a lot easier to find a theme better suited to your needs with it.

that's a really good idea, I never knew you could do that. thanks.
 

SportSC4

Golden Member
Aug 29, 2002
1,152
0
0
i don't like any... i'll sometimes keep a few on the desktop but only with recent stuff i've downloaded, then they go into the documents folder. i don't use a mac os type bar... but i do use the quick launch bar
 

Malak

Lifer
Dec 4, 2004
14,696
2
0
Originally posted by: SportSC4
i don't like any... i'll sometimes keep a few on the desktop but only with recent stuff i've downloaded, then they go into the documents folder. i don't use a mac os type bar... but i do use the quick launch bar

I setup a My Downloads folder for downloads. I actually use all the My folders, it's great for organizing stuff.
 

clamum

Lifer
Feb 13, 2003
26,256
406
126
No I have only a couple of icons. I always have windows up so and while I could use a Show Desktop shortcut I just use Quick Launcher or the Start menu.
 

Anubis

No Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
78,712
427
126
tbqhwy.com
Originally posted by: SportSC4
i don't like any... i'll sometimes keep a few on the desktop but only with recent stuff i've downloaded, then they go into the documents folder. i don't use a mac os type bar... but i do use the quick launch bar

ik should prob have said I do that also, torrents and anything i Dl goes to the desktop and then is moved
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
I have just under 1 1/2 columns of icons..have to clean it up a bit (downloads that haven't been installed/moved/deleted/etc)...
 

JujuFish

Lifer
Feb 3, 2005
11,439
1,053
136
I keep icons on the desktop. It will eventually get cluttered enough to really bug me and I clean it up, and the process starts over again with a few icons. I do keep toolbars for the programs I access most often, though.
 

jamesbond007

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,280
0
71
I like them - usually keep 15-20 on my desktop, organized in sections on my wallpaper. Having too many does not obviously provide a very effecient way to find your apps. My computer is my workhorse and I'm not getting work done if I'm busy prettying up a damn desktop. I'd rather clean my real desktop instead.

Objectbars, fancy plug-ins/GUI enhancement programs, etc = hello and welcome to Windows 98 era. I prefer to keep my system more available to what's more important than just superficial looks. :p
 

stinkynathan

Senior member
Oct 12, 2004
497
0
76
i keep a couple on the desktop though i almost never use them. gotta have the dialup connection there for another day or two while i'm at my parents' place.

I also like to keep about half as many icons in the tray, but i need a reboot since i updated, don't have a LAN connection, and am stuck with the dialup network icon. oh well

desktop
 

Bullhonkie

Golden Member
Sep 28, 2001
1,899
0
76
I've never liked having icons on the desktop. I prefer to keep everything to the edges of the screen in the form of lists or bars.