Have you ever wondered what that little key is with the Windows logo on it? Called the “Windows Logo Key”, or just the “Windows Key”, it’s your key to quickly doing things that would take quite a few mouse clicks or key presses otherwise. For example, try Windows+L  (that means, press and hold the windows key, then press the “L” key at the same time). This will lock your computer. It’s great if you are running out, and don’t want to take the time to close everything and log off (like you probably should).  You will have to enter your login name and password to get back into your computer, but don’t worry, your system will be just the way you left it.

There are many other good uses for your Windows key.  Have you ever needed to minimize all open windows, so you can check one thing (in your email, for example)?  There may be a "Show Desktop" icon that does this, but you'd have to grab the mouse, find the icon, and click on it.  It's much easier and faster to just press and hold the Windows key and “M”, and viola! All the application windows you had open are instantly minimized with just one simple shortcut key.  To "un-minimize" and get back to what you were doing,  use Windows+Shift+M.  Try it, it’s really easy and very useful.

Another useful shortcut is Windows+F. This brings up the Windows Search window - or other integrated searching engine, such as Google Desktop, if you have it installed -  so you can search your system for files & folders easily.  If you need to get to the “My Computer” icon on the desktop (just called “Computer” in Windows 7 or Vista), pressing Windows+E will get you there in a flash.

If you have the “Quick Launch” bar enabled (little icons on the task bar, next to the “Start” button), there is a shortcut key that enables you to launch those programs easily. Just press the Windows key and the number key of the icon.

For a complete list of Windows keyboard shortcuts, see support.microsoft.com/kb/126449.  And for the ambitious user who wants to modify their Windows key assignments, there is a handy shareware utility for this: WinKeyPlus (www.winkeyplus.com)

Happy Holidays to all the Readers.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com