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Adding shortcuts to the desktop and taskbar for frequently used applications and file can be a tremendous time saver. There a few ways to create effective shortcuts.

To create a shortcut to your favorite applications on the desktop, use one of these methods:

In Server 2008R2 (Windows 7 look and feel), browse to the program you want under Start > All Programs, right-click on the program, select the Copy option. Then go to the desktop, right-click, and select Paste.
In Server 2012R2 (Windows 8.1 lood and feel), browse to the program you want under the Start screen > All Apps (down arrow), right-click on the program, and select Open File Location. Windows Explorer will open to the shortcut location. Right-click on the existing shortcut and select Copy. Then go to the desktop, right-click, and select Paste.

To create a link on the taskbar to your favorite applications, use one of these methods:

In any version of Windows, simply right-click any open application and select the Pin This Program to Taskbar option.
In Server 2008R2 (Windows 7 look and feel), browse to the program you want under Start > All Programs, right-click on the program, and select the Pin to Taskbar option.
In Server 2012R2 (Windows 8.1 lood and feel), browse to the program you want under the Start screen > All Apps (down arrow), right-click on the program, and select the Pin to Taskbar option.

To create a link to a frequently used file (any application type), use one of these methods:

It is important to create shortcuts--not copies--of files for a few of reasons. First, files located directly on the desktop are not backed up; only files in the T: drive or SYNC are backed up. Second, creating a copy means that data is replicated; there are now two copies of the file in different places and it can be difficult to track. Finally, having files directly on the desktop slows the log on and off procedures; it is highly recommended not to store files directly on the desktop for this reason.

In any version of Windows, browse to the file you want to use through Windows Explorer, right-click on the file, and select Copy. Go to the desktop, right-click and select Paste Shortcut.
Do not select the Paste option as that will create a full copy of the program file instead of just a shortcut.
In any version of Windows, browse to the file you want to use through Windows Explorer, then drag and drop it on the desktop WHILE holding the ALT key.