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Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?



 
 
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  #1  
Old August 5th 19, 06:49 PM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Arlen G. Holder
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Posts: 236
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

Is this right-click action the most efficient way possible to access
most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of
clutter?
o https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

If not, do you have a MORE EFFICIENT (with less clutter) method of
accessing both your most-often-used folders, and the entire file system
(when necessary), bearing in mind always that the goal is twofold:
a. Extremely high efficiency
b. Absolutely zero clutter

Can you come up with a better (more efficient, less clutter) method?
o If so, please advise as I would love even better folder access efficiency.
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  #2  
Old August 6th 19, 09:58 PM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Stan Brown
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Posts: 2,904
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

On Mon, 5 Aug 2019 17:49:48 -0000 (UTC), Arlen G. Holder wrote:
Is this right-click action the most efficient way possible to access
most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of
clutter?
o https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

If not, do you have a MORE EFFICIENT (with less clutter) method of
accessing both your most-often-used folders,


Sure -- set up a shortcut to the desired folder, in your Start menu,
and assign a key combination to it. Then you don't have to open any
program to open your file.

and the entire file system
(when necessary),


Windows+E key combination.

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://BrownMath.com/
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
Shikata ga nai...
  #3  
Old August 7th 19, 05:30 PM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Arlen G. Holder
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 236
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

On Tue, 6 Aug 2019 16:58:56 -0400, Stan Brown wrote:

Sure -- set up a shortcut to the desired folder, in your Start menu,
and assign a key combination to it. Then you don't have to open any
program to open your file.


Hi Stan Brown,

Thanks for that suggestion to use the default start menus.

Even with Paul's help, I couldn't make the Microsoft start menu efficient.
a) Organizing by the alphabet is ridiculous - I organize by functionality
b) The binary tiled menu is atrocious in the number of limitations

I don't think it's possible to make the start menu even close to efficient.

Both Paul and I valiantly tried to wrestle those two Microsoft start menus
into submission - but they won - and I lost - and I just gave up on them.

It's utterly ridiculous to organize a menu by alphabet - so ridiculous that
I won't even argue why as if people don't know - they'll never know why.

It's like organizing your school work alphabetically, or organizing your
todo list at work alphabetically, or organizing your vehicles in the garage
alphabetically or organizing your kids alphabetically, etc.

It's ridiculous for "functional" things to organize them alphabetically.
o You organize them by what they do functionality

As for the tiled menu, it's "just ok" but the severe limitations of that
binary menu make it, essentially, worthless (ask Paul - he and I struggled
with that damn thing - which isn't what it appears to be when you dig into
it).

That makes the entire Microsoft Windows 10 start menu ... an abomination.
o Luckily, Windows 10 always had the classic menu of WinXP native!

and the entire file system


Windows+E key combination.


Thanks for that suggestion for greater efficiency (which is what I am).

That keyboard combo does seem to be more efficient, particularly since we
use the file system all the time - although generally - we only use a few
folders if we have things aptly organized.

For me, I use only three folders, and I _never_ use a folder inside the
idiotically deep Microsoft default "user" hierarchy (I move the handful of
folders, like Screenshots, that I do use, OUT of that idiotically deep
hierarchy, into a location higher up in the logical hierarchy).

While I agree that the keyboard shortcut _is_ more efficient, I don't
generally use keyboard shortcuts (other than the windows+printscreen to
snapshot a PNG file into C:\tmp\screenshots\.), so I need to look at them
more thoroughly and keep a cheat-sheet on the PC at
Start Run keyboard
Which can be created using the aforementioned "AppPaths" key.

REFERENCES:

o How can we further IMPROVE the efficiency of the Windows left-side desktop pane?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/OoKl4lKrFUc/vw8ozQdkAQAJ

o Tutorial for setting up a well-organized consistent efficient Windows menu system
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/eWU-jOkFRtU/lkVU8yolBQAJ

o Why does anyone bother to install Classic Shell on Windows if all they want is the WinXP accordion-style sliding cascade Start Menu?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/dTHKXIdlqcw/6e7e7dq_AQAJ

o Please follow this cut-and-paste tutorial to get batch command shortcuts working perfectly on Windows
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/1PzeGP4KMTU/tTbcd9zxAAAJ

o Quick tutorial for creating easy (Start Run) access to lookup files on Windows
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/5LxGOixwwWs/q8wVoJ3mBAAJ

o Quick customized-installation tutorial for setting up gVim on Windows
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/BpPrLrSCza4/4fyzTCGFCAAJ

o How do I get rid of the document-type clutter in the Windows Right-Click New menu?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/_WWt3ACAJac/PzWUuGmSAAAJ

o SOLVED: I finally figured out how to open by doubleclicking text files (like HOSTS) with no file extension in Windows in the editor of choice
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/en6X6eR8ox8/keHCCEWIAAAJ

o What's the best way to MOVE an app to where it belongs, after it has already been installed?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/hqKijRgHOC0/vB3pH-sZAgAJ

o What Windwos freeware adds powerful "phone Susan" & "vipw" commands?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/ySVGbayhLSk/zXK3PjijAwAJ

o What do I need to do to get Windows to show decent editors in the right-click context menu?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/5_YKq4tlxgo/rpljN29ACgAJ

o What Windows 10 default files contain lots of useful icons for shortcuts to be set to?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/-1nQdP8E_Yc/VILrouTSBAAJ

o Tutorial: How to install the free Brave privacy-based tor-enabled web browser where YOU want it to install (and how to save a full offline installer in the process)
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/trm_i2aooeE/4yqA72AvBgAJ

o What is the easiest way to edit the hosts file on Windows as admin?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/jZPq550lFuQ/6SYB68vQBQAJ

etc.
  #4  
Old August 7th 19, 06:31 PM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Keith Nuttle
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,844
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & theentire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

On 8/7/2019 12:30 PM, Arlen G. Holder wrote:
On Tue, 6 Aug 2019 16:58:56 -0400, Stan Brown wrote:

Sure -- set up a shortcut to the desired folder, in your Start menu,
and assign a key combination to it. Then you don't have to open any
program to open your file.


Hi Stan Brown,


As for the tiled menu, it's "just ok" but the severe limitations of that
binary menu make it, essentially, worthless (ask Paul - he and I struggled
with that damn thing - which isn't what it appears to be when you dig into
it).

tically deep Microsoft default "user" hierarchy (I move the handful of
folders, like Screenshots, that I do use, OUT of that idiotically deep
hierarchy, into a location higher up in the logical hierarchy).

While I agree that the keyboard shortcut _is_ more efficient, I don't
generally use keyboard shortcuts (other than the windows+printscreen to



o What is the easiest way to edit the hosts file on Windows as admin?
https://groups.google.com/d/msg/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/jZPq550lFuQ/6SYB68vQBQAJ

etc.
As I understand the question, it is "How to set up Windows to quickly

access folders"

I have create a short cut to File explorer and placed it in the Toolbar
so I can access it by clicking on the toolbar icon. Using the Jumplist
for the File explorer icon, I have one click access to my recenly used
folders, and two click access to any file that is is in those folders.
For those frequently used folders I pin them to the Jumplist

When I placed icons to the individual folders on the toolbar. But over
time from speed and space consideration, I added the File Explorer icon
to the toolbar.

--
Judge your ancestors by how well they met their standards not yours.
They did not know your standards, so could not try to meet them.
  #5  
Old August 7th 19, 09:10 PM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Arlen G. Holder
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 236
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

On Wed, 7 Aug 2019 13:31:54 -0400, Keith Nuttle wrote:

I have create a short cut to File explorer and placed it in the Toolbar
so I can access it by clicking on the toolbar icon. Using the Jumplist
for the File explorer icon, I have one click access to my recenly used
folders, and two click access to any file that is is in those folders.
For those frequently used folders I pin them to the Jumplist


Hi Keith Nuttle,
Yours is a great suggestion which is efficient, and which is what I do.
https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

No menu should ever change, IMHO, automatically - unless it _always_ does
the right thing (and you can just about forget that happening).

Hence, notice I make one slight modification, which is that I deplore
"recently used" crutches so I turn everything off such that _all_ my
computers (whether at work or at home or at my side gig) have the exact
same jump list _all_ the time (it never changes - and - it hasn't changed
in decades).

The jump list contains a pointer to the only 9 folders that matter
1. All my installed applications, organized by functionality
2. All my personal data, organized in a meaningful way to me
3. All my archived installers (including apps not yet installed)
4. All my temporary stuff (e.g., downloads, scratch files, etc.)
5. ===== A pointer to the Microsoft "special" folders
6. Specific data folders I use a lot (e.g., phone backup)
7. Certain special folders I use a lot (e.g., Screenshots)
8. Temporary scratch folders I use a lot (e.g., my Uploads)
9. Functional folders I use a lot (e.g., thousands of VPN config files)
https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

What you won't notice from that screenshot is that those folders NEVER
CHANGE in that jump list. They're always exactly teh same all the time.

(I don't like menus 'changing' on me.)

Given the Microsoft-defined 9-folder limit of that menu structure, what I
do is _plan_ ahead, by having all my most used (actually, almost
exclusively used) folders in that "jump list" you speak of.

If I need to go somewhere else, the "=====" jump item has a link to all the
necessary Microsoft "special" folders (e.g., Users, Veracrypt shortcuts
that open entire encrypted drives, Microsoft Favorites, Microsoft Desktop,
Microsoft Downloads, etc.).

Notice that we use the same mechanism, with the difference that
o Mine is exactly the same on all machines at all times
o Which adds an efficiency that everything is exactly where it belongs
https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

With that difference - what we use is exactly the same, as it's one of the
most efficient GUIs that Microsoft ever delivered (other than the original
WinXP style cascaded accordion start menu - which even Windows 10 has
native - but most people don't seem to realize that the WinXP style start
menu was always there, native, in Windows 10):
https://i.postimg.cc/02Hh2vq9/menu-access-01.jpg

When I placed icons to the individual folders on the toolbar. But over
time from speed and space consideration, I added the File Explorer icon
to the toolbar.


Yup. I did exactly the same thing - but with much more error on my part!

1. First I tried to wrestle both Win10 native start menus (& gave up)
2. Then I tried to add stuff to the right-click menu (which partly works)
3. Then I tried to add apps to the cascade menu (which works for shortcuts)
4. Then I used what you use, which is this pinned "jump list" for folders

That pinned jump list works well but the problem it has is that it's not
consistent by default - but I just set it up to be consistent - and then I
put the _same_ jump list on _all_ my computers - and now every computer is
consistent - which is the height of efficiency.

No menu should ever change, IMHO, automatically - unless it _always_ does
the right thing (and you can just about forget that happening).

In the end, the efficient thing to do which doesn't require memory is:
A. Folders are found instantly through the "jump list" method you used
B. Programs are started instantly through the Win10-native WinXP cascade
menu

I also have a native WinXP cascade menu for all folders, but I don't use it
much simply because the "jump list" contains the 9 most often used folders,
where the "=====" entry contains another dozen or so - which is pretty much
efficient access to all my folders.

In addition, it's useful to remind folks that these three hierarchies are
always exactly the same - on all machines - over decades - again - for
efficiency.
a. The folder hierarchy for the installed programs (only what's installed)
b. The folder hierarchy for the archived installers (contains many more)
c. The Win10-native WinXP style menu hierarchy to the installed executables

In summary, organizing efficiently is something we can all pitch in
together since we all have useful tricks to share with everyone else on
this Usenet potluck where everyone brings something of value to share.
  #6  
Old August 8th 19, 12:41 AM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Stan Brown
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,904
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

On Wed, 7 Aug 2019 16:30:08 -0000 (UTC), Arlen G. Holder wrote:
On Tue, 6 Aug 2019 16:58:56 -0400, Stan Brown wrote:

Sure -- set up a shortcut to the desired folder, in your Start menu,
and assign a key combination to it. Then you don't have to open any
program to open your file.



I don't think it's possible to make the start menu even close to efficient.


It looks like you overlooked a key step:
assign a key combination to it.


Then you just use the key combination, with no need to navigate the
Start Menu.

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://BrownMath.com/
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
Shikata ga nai...
  #7  
Old August 8th 19, 01:41 AM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Keith Nuttle
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,844
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & theentire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

On 8/7/2019 4:10 PM, Arlen G. Holder wrote:
On Wed, 7 Aug 2019 13:31:54 -0400, Keith Nuttle wrote:

I have create a short cut to File explorer and placed it in the Toolbar
so I can access it by clicking on the toolbar icon. Using the Jumplist
for the File explorer icon, I have one click access to my recenly used
folders, and two click access to any file that is is in those folders.
For those frequently used folders I pin them to the Jumplist


Hi Keith Nuttle,
Yours is a great suggestion which is efficient, and which is what I do.
https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

No menu should ever change, IMHO, automatically - unless it _always_ does
the right thing (and you can just about forget that happening).

Hence, notice I make one slight modification, which is that I deplore
"recently used" crutches so I turn everything off such that _all_ my
computers (whether at work or at home or at my side gig) have the exact
same jump list _all_ the time (it never changes - and - it hasn't changed
in decades).

The jump list contains a pointer to the only 9 folders that matter
1. All my installed applications, organized by functionality
2. All my personal data, organized in a meaningful way to me
3. All my archived installers (including apps not yet installed)
4. All my temporary stuff (e.g., downloads, scratch files, etc.)
5. ===== A pointer to the Microsoft "special" folders
6. Specific data folders I use a lot (e.g., phone backup)
7. Certain special folders I use a lot (e.g., Screenshots)
8. Temporary scratch folders I use a lot (e.g., my Uploads)
9. Functional folders I use a lot (e.g., thousands of VPN config files)
https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

What you won't notice from that screenshot is that those folders NEVER
CHANGE in that jump list. They're always exactly teh same all the time.

(I don't like menus 'changing' on me.)

Given the Microsoft-defined 9-folder limit of that menu structure, what I
do is _plan_ ahead, by having all my most used (actually, almost
exclusively used) folders in that "jump list" you speak of.

If I need to go somewhere else, the "=====" jump item has a link to all the
necessary Microsoft "special" folders (e.g., Users, Veracrypt shortcuts
that open entire encrypted drives, Microsoft Favorites, Microsoft Desktop,
Microsoft Downloads, etc.).

Notice that we use the same mechanism, with the difference that
o Mine is exactly the same on all machines at all times
o Which adds an efficiency that everything is exactly where it belongs
https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

With that difference - what we use is exactly the same, as it's one of the
most efficient GUIs that Microsoft ever delivered (other than the original
WinXP style cascaded accordion start menu - which even Windows 10 has
native - but most people don't seem to realize that the WinXP style start
menu was always there, native, in Windows 10):
https://i.postimg.cc/02Hh2vq9/menu-access-01.jpg

When I placed icons to the individual folders on the toolbar. But over
time from speed and space consideration, I added the File Explorer icon
to the toolbar.


Yup. I did exactly the same thing - but with much more error on my part!

1. First I tried to wrestle both Win10 native start menus (& gave up)
2. Then I tried to add stuff to the right-click menu (which partly works)
3. Then I tried to add apps to the cascade menu (which works for shortcuts)
4. Then I used what you use, which is this pinned "jump list" for folders

That pinned jump list works well but the problem it has is that it's not
consistent by default - but I just set it up to be consistent - and then I
put the _same_ jump list on _all_ my computers - and now every computer is
consistent - which is the height of efficiency.

No menu should ever change, IMHO, automatically - unless it _always_ does
the right thing (and you can just about forget that happening).

In the end, the efficient thing to do which doesn't require memory is:
A. Folders are found instantly through the "jump list" method you used
B. Programs are started instantly through the Win10-native WinXP cascade
menu

I also have a native WinXP cascade menu for all folders, but I don't use it
much simply because the "jump list" contains the 9 most often used folders,
where the "=====" entry contains another dozen or so - which is pretty much
efficient access to all my folders.

In addition, it's useful to remind folks that these three hierarchies are
always exactly the same - on all machines - over decades - again - for
efficiency.
a. The folder hierarchy for the installed programs (only what's installed)
b. The folder hierarchy for the archived installers (contains many more)
c. The Win10-native WinXP style menu hierarchy to the installed executables

In summary, organizing efficiently is something we can all pitch in
together since we all have useful tricks to share with everyone else on
this Usenet potluck where everyone brings something of value to share.

It seems like you are using something other than Windows 10. I have
been using Windows 10 since it was released.

With the File Explorer icon on the Taskbar at the bottom of the Desktop.
To access the disk all I need to do is right click on the File Explorer
in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. If I want a folder, I just
left click on the File explorer Icon and select the folder I want.

Unless you clear the files from the program (ie clear the cache in
Firefox) the files will remain in the jumplist when the computer is
turned off. If you pin the folder to the File Explorer icon it will be
there forever, and not change until you change it.

--
Judge your ancestors by how well they met their standards not yours.
They did not know your standards, so could not try to meet them.
  #8  
Old August 8th 19, 03:38 AM posted to alt.comp.os.windows-10,alt.windows7.general
Arlen G. Holder
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 236
Default Is this the most efficient way to access most-used folders & the entire file system with the LEAST amount of clutter?

On Wed, 7 Aug 2019 20:41:46 -0400, Keith Nuttle wrote:

It seems like you are using something other than Windows 10. I have
been using Windows 10 since it was released.


Hi Keith,

Naaah.

It's native Windows 10 Pro ... just like everyone else has... but
a. With the "Task Bar" moved to the left side (for real estate reasons)
b. And with the "File Explorer" icon changed (to make it stand out better)
https://i.postimg.cc/N01wr01J/folder-access-01.jpg

With the File Explorer icon on the Taskbar at the bottom of the Desktop.


It's the _same_ as what you have - only with the Task Bar moved to the left
and the File Explorer icon changed from a yellow folder to a green arrow.

To access the disk all I need to do is right click on the File Explorer
in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. If I want a folder, I just
left click on the File explorer Icon and select the folder I want.


Yup. That's exactly what I do... but the difference is that I have the
folders statically locked in the "File Explorer" on _all_ my machines to
the exact same folders. This gains an efficiency on all systems that I work
on which makes it trivial to get to exactly the folders I want without any
extra clicks.

The goal is to be as efficient as humanly possible.
o That means the _fewest_ possible clicks - without needing memory.

Your advice is very helpful - which I greatly appreciate.
 




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