The Quick Launch toolbar doesn’t get a lot of respect, but it’s a great way to launch your regular apps faster. If the toolbar isn’t visible, right-click on the Start bar, select Toolbars, click on Quick Launch to add it, and then drag programs or shortcuts to it. You can start programs instantly just by clicking or, better yet, use the Windows key. Windows key+1 will open the leftmost program, Windows key+2 the next one, and so on, up to 10 (the 10th opens with Windows key+0).
