9 Quick Keyboard Shortcuts Guide for Basic Vista Usage

Since Windows Vista came with a lot of new features, it's normal to have more useful keyboard shortcuts that you'll have to remember. Obviously, I can't tell you about all of them in a single article, and nobody can acquire so much information at once, so I'll start with the basic things, like opening the Computer window, showing the desktop or cycling through open programs by using the new Flip 3D mode. Are you ready?

Some of the following shortcuts are the same as in Windows XP, while some have changed, but I am sure you'll be able to handle things right, so let's start our tour...

1. To open or close the Start menu, there are two shortcuts, and they are not new to the Windows environment - Ctrl+Esc or just the Windows key.

2. If you want to display the desktop and take a look at that beautiful wallpaper you got from the Web yesterday, simply tap the Windows key+D.

3. To minimize all open windows and achieve the same effect as before, you can use the Windows key+M.

4. Unlike displaying the desktop, where the same combination can be used to bring back your windows, you need to press the Windows key+Shift+M to restore all minimized windows.

5. To open the Computer window, the keyboard shortcut to use is Windows key+E.

6. Alt+Tab has the same part in the play as always, helping you to switch before open programs, but...

7. ... to browse open programs using the new Flip 3D mode, you have to press the Windows key+Tab. Why would you use this mode instead of the classic one? Well, take a look below to find out!

8. To browse through the open applications, in the same order as they were started up, use Alt+Esc.

9. Good bye, old Ctrl+Alt+Del! To open Vista's task manager in a snap, you have to use Ctrl+Shift+Esc now. Don't ask why, just try to remember it, all right?

These being said, I'll leave you practice what I have just shown you, but prepare for more tips and tricks tomorrow!