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Useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

While you probably won't save that much time using keyboard shortcuts, they are often very convenient ways to get routine tasks done quickly. Many become second nature once you become used to them. Here are some of my favorites:

Windows Logo Key Shortcut

The Windows Logo key is available in many of the newer keyboards and is usually located outside the Alt key on either side. You can use this key for several shortcuts:

Windows Key - Display the start menu (use keys to move and Enter to make selection)

Windows Key + D - Minimize all windows to show the desktop, or restore all windows back to original display.

Windows Key + E - Brings up a new Windows Explorer window.

Windows Key + R - Brings up the Run command window, which you can use to launch applications like the calculator (type 'calc') or notepad (type 'notepad'). You can also type a URL (http://www.timethoughts.com) to display it using your default browser

Windows Key + F - Displays the Find files dialog box

Windows Key + F1 - Display the Windows help dialog

Internet Explorer

These are some useful keyboard shortcuts available in Internet Explorer.

Shift+Click - While clicking with the mouse, opens the link in a new browser window

Ctrl+F - Display the find dialog for the current page

Ctrl+W - Closes the current IE window

Ctrl+N - Opens a new IE window

Alt+Left Arrow - Same as the Back button

Alt+Right Arrow - Same as the Forward button

Alt+Home - Go to your default home page

Ctrl+E - Toggle the display of the search pane

Ctrl+H - Toggle the display of the history pane of pages you've visited

Ctrl+I - Toggle the display of the Favorites pane

Ctrl+R - Refresh the current page

Esc - Stop the current page from loading. Also stops sounds, animations, etc.

Application Specific Keyboard Shortcuts

Every application has its own set of keyboard shortcuts, although there are some standard ones that most applications share.

For a more detailed and complete list of shortcuts, please visit the Microsoft website at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;301583

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