Last week we took a look at using the control key plus the arrow keys to move your Windows around the screen. Today we check out a few more Windows 7 tricks. Remember as you read that ‘W +’ means to hold down the Windows key (the one with the logo to the left of the space key) and the key to the right of the ‘+’. Just like using the Shift key to capitalize a letter.
I had several emails suggesting other shortcuts with the Windows key and the following which took care of one of my complaints. I wrote that you could use, ‘W + M.’ This minimizes all opened windows to the taskbar. My complaint was there is no way to restore them and I was correct. However, Bobby wrote in saying that if you use the ‘W + D’ keys you can minimize all open windows. When you try it again they all restore. Thanks Bobby, now I can die happy.
If you run gadgets on your desktop try the, ‘W + G’ keys. This will bring your desktop gadgets to the top of all other windows. They will go away when you click on the window under them. I find this convenient to check the weather and time, since I use those two gadgets.
Try, ‘W + X’ which opens the "Windows Mobility Center." While there you can adjust several different settings on your computer. You can play with your monitor’s "Display Brightness." You can also cut your wireless network on and off.
Are you at a location away from home with your notebook and need to walk away for a few seconds? Use ‘W + L’ to immediately lock your computer. It protects you since it makes you use your password to get back to your work (if you have previously set one up for your account).
Open your Computer in Explorer and get to your drives, Favorites, Networks and Libraries by using ‘W + E’. Try it. You will like it if you usually get there using other more time consuming routes.
This shortcut is one I use often. Take a look at your Taskbar. It contains icons which open programs when you click them with your mouse. You probably have one for "Windows Explorer", "Internet Explorer", and "Media Player." For the sake of argument, let us say you only have those three and they are in that order. Number the icons in your head, 1 to 3. To open "Media Player" (which is number 3 in this example) press, ‘W + 3.’ For "Windows Explorer" use, ‘W + 1’, etc. This will only work for the first nine icons on the taskbar.
Another Taskbar shortcut combo is, ‘W + T’. This shortcut will highlight the first icon on the Taskbar whether it is an opened program or not. Press Enter to activate that program. Use the right or left arrow keys (by themselves) in order to move between icons.
Since I do a lot of talks, training and presentations with my computer one of my favorites is, ‘W + P’. This shortcut opens the screen selection control. From here you can choose to use your computer’s monitor, a connected projector or both. Choose from "Disconnect Projector", "Duplicate" "Extend" or "Projector Only." This is much easier than in the olden days. 