Are you a user who finds reaching for the mouse an annoying action? If so then consider keeping your fingers on the keyboard to accomplish the same objectives by using the keyboard shortcuts listed below.

• Windows Key + E - Opens the Explorer Window.
• Windows Key + D - Minimizes all open windows and displays the Desktop. If you repeat the keyboard combination the open windows will return their original state.
• Windows Key + F - Displays the Search window.
• Windows Key + L - Locks your Windows XP computer.
• Windows Key + R - Displays the Run dialog box.
• Windows Key + F1 - Displays the Help and Support Centre window.
• Windows Key + Pause/Break - Displays the Systems Properties dialog box.
• Windows Key + Tab - Cycles through the buttons on the Task Bar. To activate the selected button on the Task Bar press the Enter key.
• Alt + Tab - Toggles or switches between open windows.
• Alt + F4 - Closes the open window.

So the next time you need to activate an open application or need to close a window, stop yourself from lifting your hands from the keyboard and simply use the appropriate keyboard shortcut.

Tags: vista, vista tips, windows vista