Is there any way to change the icon and name of a programme in the task bar?

[scm1001]

If I change the name and icon attributes of a programme in XP (by saying right clicking onto properties in the start menu) it does not seem to affect the task bar name and icon (although does affect the start up menu) . This would be desirable as (ahem) I might not want for my boss to see that I am playing doom in the background. Of course I can get rid of the taskbar all together, but it is rather useful.

[Futile Gesture]

Only by editing the application itself. Which requires a special application editor and may well stop it working.

All your doing in XP is editing the shortcut that points to the application. That changes what you see in the start menu, but does nothing to the underlying application.

[LSLGuy]

My favorite technique is to turn on the auto-hide feature of the task bar (right-click an empty spot on the task bar and choose properties). When I slide my mouse down to the bottom, it appears; when my mouse is anywhere else, it's gone. Just as easy to use and more private.

It also gains a few % of screen real estate, often a scarece commodity.

[scm1001]

Originally Posted by LSLGuy

My favorite technique is to turn on the auto-hide feature of the task bar (right-click an empty spot on the task bar and choose properties). When I slide my mouse down to the bottom, it appears; when my mouse is anywhere else, it's gone. Just as easy to use and more private.

It also gains a few % of screen real estate, often a scarece commodity.

great idea - easier than mucking with the prog

[DarrenS]

Alternatively, something like this if your Doom-playing pleasure is worth $20.

[iamthewalrus(:3=]

Originally Posted by Futile Gesture

Only by editing the application itself. Which requires a special application editor and may well stop it working.

I've actually done this before (as part of an attempt to make my Windows box look and act as much like a Mac as possible) and it's just not worth it. I'd be very surprised if it caused the program to actually stop working, but it's a big hassle and requires futzing around with really stupid image formats and lots of guess and check.

[Thin Ice]

To the right of the "Hide inactive icons" checkbox is a Customize... button. Click it and you can customize notifications, but not delete them. (sigh)
Highlight any of the items listed and a small drop down menu with three choices opens. You may always hide, hide when inactive, or always show items as you wish then OK your way out.

[DarrenS]

Originally Posted by Thin Ice

To the right of the "Hide inactive icons" checkbox is a Customize... button. Click it and you can customize notifications, but not delete them. (sigh)

If you are referring to those irritating little popups that tell you (for example) that your wireless connection has been re-established for the googolth time that day, you can disable them.

[Thin Ice]

I wasn't referring to the tip balloons but the icons in the notification area where the time of day lives. I kind of like that little pop sound when balloons pop up, but thanks for the link. I'll save it in case I ever want to disable them.