Keystroke Combos Using the "Windows" Key

In this article, I will share two more time-saving keystroke combinations for PC-users. Both of these utilize the "Windows" key on most standard PC keyboards (the key looks like the Microsoft Windows logo). Both allow to save time/increase productivity: one with finding programs, files, and documents, and the other with jumping between different programs.

"Windows"+D Keystroke Combo

The first keystroke combination is to hit both the "Windows" key and the "D" key simultaneously. Windows+D is a pretty useful little keystroke combo because it allows you to immediately minimize any program that is currently being worked on or has been selected. Thus, if you are in an active program - let's say you are toggling between an Excel spreadsheet and Word document, sharing data back and forth - then you can use the Windows+D combo to very quickly minimize whichever program you're working in so you can transfer data from the spreadsheet to the Word document or vice versa without having to "mouse over" to hit the minimize button. It allows for quick minimization of any open window/program that you have currently selected.

Windows+E Keystroke Combo

What the "Windows+E" keystroke combination does is automatically launch your Windows Explorer program (not Internet Explorer) from wherever you are in your PC. Hit the "Windows" key and "E" key in simultaneous combination. Windows Explorer will launch and give you the opportunity to search for files, folders, and documents within Windows Explorer - a very handy technique for any situation where you might need to locate a file or a program on your hard drive, share drive, or any affiliated drives.

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How to Change Themes in Windows 7

If you do not like the delivered basic blue theme in Windows 7, you can change it in several steps. The additional delivered themes included are Aero and Basic themes. You also have the ability to download new themes from Microsoft, as well as have the ability to create custom themes if desired. Themes are a way in Windows 7 to really personalize your computer to your specific tastes.

Instructions


Right-click on your desktop and select "Personalize." The window is broken down into three sections: "My Themes," "Aero Themes," and "Basic Themes." "My Themes" are themes downloaded from the Internet. They are stored in this location. "Aero Themes" are the system delivered themes from Microsoft. "Basic Themes" are the themes used if you do not have a high-powered graphics card capable of displaying an Aero theme. You can also use these themes if you want to give a borderline computer a performance jolt.

Click the theme desired and in a moment your theme is displayed. You can click on all the themes available to see which on you like best.

Click "Get more themes online" to download new themes.

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Obtain a Valid Windows 7 RTM Product Key

Windows 7 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, released in October 2009. The term "RTM" stands for "Release to Manufacturers" and simply implies that Windows 7 is fully baked, ready to be sent to computer manufacturers to install on the new computer systems to be sold to consumers. Windows 7 RTM is the same version of Windows you receive when buying a new computer.

Instructions


Buy a new computer. When you purchase a new computer from Dell, Sony, etc. with Windows 7 preinstalled, the computer comes with an official product key. When purchasing a brand new computer, the OS is already installed, meaning the consumer does not have to activate it and in most cases will never see the product key. When Windows 7 is preinstalled, the product is typically on the computer itself as a sticker or can be found within the computer's packing and information.


Purchase an official copy of Windows 7 from Microsoft. Microsoft sells Windows 7 as a digital download, immediately available for download upon purchase. In these cases, the Windows 7 product key will be emailed to the address provided upon purchase.


Purchase Windows 7 from a third-party store. Windows 7 is sold in a number of electronic and office supply stores, as well as online department stores. When purchasing a physical copy of Windows 7, the product key is provided in the retail box.


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