Commentary From Elsewhere: In Defense of Desktop Icons

      I recently read an article which argues against desktop icon. It does make a number of good points. And personally, if I’m seeing my desktop one of three scenarios is going on. I’ve just turned on my computer, I’m about to turn it off, or something has gone horrible wrong. In other words, I rarely see my desktop (and thus any icons that are on it). So I can understand where they are coming from. But they missed the two biggest reasons I use desktop icons.

      As an aside, I also use my desktop as a quick dumping place for things. Most often files that are about to be attached to email, but other occasions occur. The desktop tends to show up in all the dialog boxes, making it rather convenient for this use. Admittedly, another folder could serve this function. Thus not counting it as a significant reason.

Reason 1: Startup Shortcut
      Most of the time, I want the same handful of programs to run shortly after I log in to my computer. So I made a .bat file. The file itself lives elsewhere (for various reasons), but a shortcut to it is on the desktop. The normal pattern is to double click this shortcut right after logging in. The resulting programs bury the desktop, and I shouldn’t see it again for the duration.

      It’s the exception that is why I don’t add these programs to the various startup options. Occasionally, I have other plans when I turn on my computer. In which case I want a minimal amount of programs running. Most often this is for maintenance situations.

Reason 2: It’s not me
      For whatever reason, there will come a day when I won’t be the one sitting at my computer. Maybe I’m in the hospital, or have sent a friend, but eventually I’ll be dead and it will be ‘next of kin’ time. Regardless of the reason, the person at my computer won’t how the system is setup. Which is why there is another shortcut on the desktop. This one opens a text file which explains things. Doesn’t go into too much detail, but should give a decent summary for where the ‘important’ files are.

      While the existence of this document is noted in my will/etc, it’s contents are not. When the time comes, an icon will be sitting on the desktop. One of a short number, and thus readily apparent. Waiting for it’s eventual use. If not on this computer, then a future one.

      And those are what I consider the two most important reasons to continues to store icons on the desktop. Although, as they are both for unusual circumstances, this does mean I agree with the article more then I disagree. Which is to say, the desktop is a useful tool. But like any tool it can be overused.

      There are technically other icons on my desktop. But I’ll freely admit they aren’t needed. As alluded to above, they end up buried shortly after I log in anyways. But, also alluded to above, the desktop is a location used by many of Windows dialog boxes. So having icons there can be convenient at times.

      But, yes: If you have enough desktop icons they don’t all fit on the screen? You are almost certainly doing it wrong.