Tech: Shortcuts Using the "Windows" Key

The Windows Key, located between the Ctrl key and the Alt key on your PC has been there for years, but do we know it's function. Typically it is a quick launch feature for the Windows Start Menu. In Windows 7, it also provides the Quick Search feature. Here are some quick launch featires available in Windows 7 (similar ones are available in Windows XP and Vista). If you have so free time, search Google for Window Shortcuts for a host of tips that can improve your PC productivity by accomplishing tasks on the PC you would normally manipulate the mouse to achieve.

• ⊞ Win + SPACEBAR to active Aero Peek. This is my favorite since I keep several windows open at a time.
• ⊞ Win + ↑ to maximize the active window.
• ⊞ Win + ↓ to restore (default window size, not maximized nor in taskbar) the active window.
• ⊞ Win + ← or → to align the window to the respective side of the screen, maximizing it vertically.
• ⊞ Win + ⇧ Shift+← or → to move the window to the next or previous monitor, if multiple monitors are used
• ⊞ Win + T to iterate through items on the taskbar.
• ⊞ Win + + or ⊞ Win to zoom into the screen at the mouse cursor position using the Magnifier Utility.
• ⊞ Win + - to zoom out if the Magnifier Utility is running.
• ⊞ Win + esc to cancel magnification and close the Magnifier Utility.
• ⊞ Win + 1, ⊞ Win+2, ... ⊞ Win+0 to run or activate the corresponding programs in the taskbar. ⊞ Win+0 runs the tenth item.