After the distribution of operating systems and related applications with graphical shells, a dictionary of computer terms has replenished with a new term - “desktop shortcuts”.
To some extent, it can be argued that they are the basis for the convenience of user interaction with programs. By the way, this interface element migrated to mobile devices - tablets, phones and others, where it is successfully used. Microsoft’s attempts to replace desktop shortcuts in desktops and mobile phones with so-called “tiles” met with resistance from the entire computer community. This indicates that the idea of ​​labels appealed to the majority and without special need no one will abandon it.
What are shortcuts?
If you look at the desktop of any modern operating system, then there are always small icons on it. Sometimes they are called icons, but this is not entirely true, since it does not fully reflect the essence.
After all, as a rule, icons are not only shortcuts, but also any other symbolic designation of a certain program. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what labels and icons are, to understand their similarities and differences. This allows the correct use of
computer terms.
So what are shortcuts? We can say that they are part of the graphical interface. They are placed not only on the desktop, but in the quick launch panel, various windows of the operating system, and even the Windows Start menu.
Analogy
To make it easier to understand what labels are, we will use a comparison. Imagine that in front of you is a chest in which there are many things in disarray. How to find the right one? Of course, you can sort through them all, but if the chest is too large or there is no desire to spend time searching, then this solution does not apply. In addition, sometimes you have to look for something whose functions are known, but the appearance is not. In this case, the search will be generally useless.
However, everything can be very simply solved if you tie a rope to each thing, the second end of which is pulled out of the chest and put a name tag on it. To pull out a thing, a person will only have to pull on the right one. Incredibly simple and effective.
So is the shortcut: behind a small picture that the user sees, a certain command is hiding. Thus, double-clicking on a shortcut causes the shell to launch and process the job. Most often, behind the labels are commands to launch certain programs. For example, if you click the right mouse button on a user’s shortcut and select “Properties”, then the path to the application will be displayed in the “Object” line. In old operating systems that worked in text modes, it was necessary not only to register it manually, but also to remember it well. With the advent of shortcuts, the need for this disappeared: by clicking on the free area of ​​the desktop the right mouse button and selecting "Create shortcut", you can specify the path once. After that, just double-click to launch it so that the application is sent for execution.