If you typically launch the same set of programs every time you start up your computer, it would be nice to have them load automatically when Window boots up, wouldn't it?

This will be particularly useful in an office setup where you probably begin your day with the same set of programs every morning. Imagine switching on your computer and then go and make yourself a cup of coffee while it starts up; when you get back, all your programs — e.g. your email, internet browser, and word processor — will already be open, just waiting for you to dive in.

In Windows XP and Vista, you can actually tweak the system into doing just that. In the Programs part of the Start menu, you'll see a folder named "Startup" — any shortcuts you slap into this menu will automatically be triggered whenever Windows starts up.

Adding to this menu is quite simple:

In Windows XP:

1. Click on "Start" and then go to "All Programs".
2. Go to the folder with the program shortcut that you want to duplicate into the "Startup" folder, right-click with your mouse on the shortcut and click on "Create Shortcut".
3. A duplicate of the shortcut will now be created in this folder. Its name will be something like "Shortcut (2)".
4. Click-and-drag this shortcut to the "Startup" folder. The duplicated shortcut will now be moved from its original folder to the "Startup" folder.
5. Repeat the process for all the shortcuts you want to add to "Startup".

In Windows Vista:

1. Click on "Start" and then go to "All Programs".
2. Go to the folder with the program shortcut that you want to duplicate into the "Startup" folder, right-click with your mouse on the shortcut, go to "Send to" and click on "Desktop (create shortcut)".
3. A duplicate of the shortcut will now be created on the desktop.
4. Click-and-drag this shortcut from the desktop to the "Start" button, then to "All Programs" and then to the "Startup" folder. The duplicated shortcut will now be moved from the desktop to the "Startup" folder.
5. Repeat the process for all the shortcuts you want to add to "Startup".

When you next switch your computer on, these programs will all load up as part of the Windows startup process.

Just keep in mind that the more shortcuts you add to the "Startup" folder, the longer it's going to take Windows to finish booting up, so don't add too many.

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