Using the Windows Key                                          Back to Top

The Windows logo key is an anchor for many keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts have been a part of computing since the beginning and where a necessity before the days of the mouse.  Microsoft has programmed into the different versions of Windows, some helpful keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows key as the basis.

For instance, simply clicking the Windows key will launch the “Start Menu” which could be very helpful if your mouse ever fails or if you don’t want to take your hand off of the keyboard to click on the mouse. (Use the arrow keys in all of the tips to toggle between the different options.)

The Windows key + R will launch the RUN dialog box that allows you to manually run a program.

The Windows Key + D will minimize all of the open windows, which clears your screen and displays the desktop without closing the currently open programs.  (Pressing it again will bring everything back to the way it was.)

The often ignored Help program that is built into Windows can be accessed by using the combination of Windows key + F1 (the first function key at the top of the keyboard usually to the right of the escape key).

The Windows Explorer, which is a file manager can be launched with the Windows key + E combination.

The next time you want to search for a file or folder on your computer, try using the Windows key + F to launch the Find or Search utility.

If you are on a network and need to find a specific computer, you can launch the Find Computer dialog box with the Ctrl + Windows key + F combination.

Windows key + Tab allows you to change the focus on the open programs of the Task Bar (another helpful tip when your mouse fails!) so that you can press the space bar to open the program.

One of my favorites is the Windows key + Break (usually above the arrow keys) which opens the System Properties dialog box, which is an often visited area of the computer for anyone that works on them.

In Windows XP, you can access the Utility Manager by using the Windows + U combination. The Utility Manager is used to activate the Magnifying option, the Narrator (which is a text-to-speech program that acts as a basic screen reader for the visually impaired) and the on-screen keyboard.

The Windows key + L will lock the workstation in Windows XP, which is a handy privacy feature for anyone in an office full of nosy people!

No matter what window you open with the Windows logo key, you can close them at any time with the universal “Close” keyboard command of Alt-F4.

If you want to know all of the available keyboard shortcuts for your version of Windows, open the help menu (Windows key + F1) and search for keyboard shortcuts! 

Techie Tip taken from Kim Komando's Website! Thanks!

Q. What is the difference between Standby and Hibernate?

A. Standby and Hibernate are power management options included in Windows. They work similarly in Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP. In each case, you can schedule power savings. These settings are particularly useful on notebooks, and they help conserve power on a desktop computer, too. They are really nice if you leave your computer on and cannot get back soon. The basic difference in these settings is time.

Hibernate turns the computer off. Use this if you'll be away from the computer for a long period--for instance, overnight. Standby puts it into a low power state. This mode is typically used for shorter periods. Why use Standby? The computer rouses quickly when you return to work. But it has a disadvantage, too: Your files are not automatically saved. If there is a power failure while in Standby, your files go bye-bye. So, when you use this mode, save your open files first. Hibernate, on the other hand, takes much longer to reboot. However, it saves your files before shutting down. So your work is protected. And when it reboots, the desktop is returned to its previous state. That is its biggest advantage. If you used a normal shutdown, the computer would not boot with your files open.

Both modes are under Power Options in Control Panel (Start>>Settings>> Control Panel in Windows 98, ME and 2000; Start>>Control Panel in Windows XP). Select the Power Schemes tab. In Windows 98 and XP, if you want to use one or the other of these modes at different times, set up power schemes. Select either Standby or Hibernate at the bottom of the window. The schedule is selected in the drop boxes. In Windows 2000 and ME, Hibernate is on its own tab. Computer manufacturers must set up the machines for Standby and Hibernate. If these modes are not available or do not work, check with your manufacturer.

Well, the holidays are near (Less than 23 days? Check this Count Down till Christmas) and the next large phase of our lives begins with the seasonal spirit, the family visits, the lists of gifts to buy, the impending knowledge that eventually we will have to get out there and shop til we drop...

BUT DO WE?? I have discovered the magic of online shopping, and I can guarantee that Santa is improving productivity with the world wide web! Shopping online- I thought I would never say- has been a blessing. Every gift I can think of is out there on the web. During this time of year all kinds of free shipping specials are appearing, and you are likely to find prices you couldn't imagine- stretching that wonderful consumer dollar!

That being said, it is important to know what to keep an eye out for- as online safety should ALWAYS be a priority, especially when it involves your credit. I have compiled a wonderful list of safety tips, originally bumped into on a credit card site for Master Card.

Shopping Online

Meanwhile, keep an eye on this site, as it tracks Santa every year, and makes for some interesting discussion at home. Want to track Santa?

What to do if you're spammed
First, retaliation is a bad idea. Deliberate spammers often forge the return address on the message to deflect retaliation efforts, so you may end up punishing the wrong person. In addition, replying directly to the spammer (if it is a real address) just confirms that your address, at least, is live.

The amount of spam infesting the Internet increases daily. You have three or four options for dealing with spam that lands in your mailbox:

How do you avoid being added to SPAM lists?

1. Computer Cleanup- Disk Cleanup
2. Scan Disk (which in older operating systems was fairly simple) - on XP requires you to right click on the Hard Drive under My Computer, select properties, and ask that the system do a scandisk on the next reboot.
3. And most important, Defrag (process of defragmenting the data on a Hard Disk)

However, there quite a few resources that I utilize to ensure that not only is my system running at peak performance, but also free of any mal-ware or spy-ware that can potentially add stress to my operating system.

1. Check your system with Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. Run this utility on a monthly basis to remove spyware and malware. It has an update feature on the interface. The best place to get this little free utility is www.lavasoftusa.com click the download.com link to get the software.
2. AuditMyPc.com Your free online security audit, firewall test and research center. This site will audit your firewall with a free online Firewall Test, Port Scan and Privacy Test that provides immediate results designed to promote security awareness and help secure your firewall.
3. PcPitStop.com is another organization that tests your system. The diagnostic tests are safe, passive evaluations of your system, and the advice will help you locate and fix system problems. Nifty online tools!

Always take time to keep your system safe and clean. Doing so ensures the least amount of problems and the computing efficiency that we all enjoy.