Getting a proper grip on Windows is a smart way to improve your productivity on the computer you are working with most of the day. You often need to launch multiple programs and utilities and searching for them on your crowded desktop may not always be the quickest way.

The Run command is a great feature of Windows that is often overlooked. This provides quick access to programs, folders, documents, and other utilities, but you have to know the commands. You may well ask why should you use this when you can get to the programs from the Start menu. Microsoft has discontinued the Start menu from Windows 8 and knowing the Run command is a great way to get out of old habits, especially since you will have to upgrade sooner or later to the newer version of Windows.

In just two clicks you can get to the program or folder you want. Press the Windows key along with R and the Run dialog box pops up. Next just type the name of the folder or program.

In Windows 7 and previous versions of Windows you can add the Run command to the Start Menu. To do that right click on an empty area in the Start menu. Click the Start Menu tab, and then click Customise. In the dialog box that opens, scroll through the list of options to find the Run command. Put a checkmark against it and click OK.

Here are some common Run commands you should know (the commands are in italics):

Apps: Safari, Firefox, Excel, or Notepad can all be opened by simply typing the name in the Run box and so can many other programs. But sometimes the command may not be so obvious. For Microsoft Word you will have to type winword and for WordPad write.

Common tasks: shutdown or logoff, control panel

Quick access to these properties: control keyboard or control mouse or control printers

Open the application data folder or the temp folder: %appdata% or %temp%

Many programs do not have a default Run command or maybe some of the existing commands are too difficult to remember. For these you can create your own commands by right clicking on the desktop and choosing New—Shortcut. Then browse to the location of your file, folder or program. Just remember whatever name you give to the shortcut will become your Run command. You can also right click a file or application and select Send To--Desktop to create a new shortcut. Say you have two versions of Photoshop in your computer. You can name one as ‘pshop5’ and the other as ‘pshop3’. After you have made all the shortcuts, select them and move them to the Windows folder. Instead of opening Explorer and browsing to this folder just press the Windows key+R and type %windir%. The folder will open up.

The next time you need to open one of your frequently used apps or folders simply type your own command into the Run dialog box and it will open.

Additional Security

All those of you who have a Microsoft account such as Hotmail, Outlook, SkyDrive or Xbox Live should secure their accounts with the two-step verification process. This will prevent your account from getting hacked too easily. Microsoft now has added another security layer that prevents your sensitive information from falling into the hands of cyber thieves.

First, turn on two-step verification. Go to www.outlook.com and sign in to your account. Click on your name or picture and select Account Settings. Now go to Security Info from the left and you will be presented with a page to turn on two-step verification. Just follow the wizard and you will be done. You should also set up a recovery code in case you land up in some trouble with your account. Print out the code and keep it safe.

If you click on Recent Activity on the right you will be able to see the countries from which your account was under attack. Mine showed attempts from Qatar, Cyprus and the US. If you see something suspicious, click the “This Wasn’t Me” button to further protect your account.

Before you exit the settings page make sure you click on Notifications—Security and put a checkmark against your mobile number and save your settings. From now on you will be alerted if anybody is trying to get into your account.

Send in your computer- related problems to askdoss@abpmail.com with bits&bytes in the subject line