Windows 7 Tips

Decided to start posting quick-tips and short cuts on various technology topics. Will begin this venture with Windows 7. For 10 years I have always gravitated towards the keyboard when it comes to working on computers. Not sure exactly why, believe a lot of it have to do with the remnants of the old mainframe days. If there’s any tips you do not see here, please feel free to add.

Open Applications pinned on the taskbar 

 

Windows Key plus [number]

The Applications Pinned to the taskbar can be opened by the keyboard by using the Windows key plus [number], The Number corresponds to its position on the taskbar. For instance, to open Internet Explorer above, you would hit Windows Key plus 1, to open the next icon, in this instance outlook, you would hit Windows Key plus 2 etc. etc.

Scroll through taskbar peak

Windows Key plus T

By Using the Windows Key plus T you can get a peak of the open applications on the taskbar as shown above.

Windows key plus Up key - Maximizes Window

Windows key plus Down Key - Restore / Minimize window

Windows key plus left key - Snap window left

Windows key plus Right Key - Snap window right

Shift plus Left Mouse Click – opens new instance of application from taskbar

Windows Key plus Spacebar - peaks at the desktop

Windows Key plus P – external display options

Alt plus F4 – closes active window

Alt plus Tab – Switch to previous window

Windows Key plus M – Minimizes all windows

Windows key plus L – locks the computer

Windows Key plus F – opens the search window