10 must know Windows keyboard shortcuts.

Microsoft took a big step by completely transforming its flagship operating system Window XP to Vista (although not successful) and then fine tuned, ultra-light on memory consumption version Windows 7.

Windows 7 is not all about look and feel, and improved on performance, but Microsoft has put in a lot of efforts in how user can extract more of it. So, today we will look at 10 must know shortcuts keys of Windows 7 which will make our day-to-day work more fun!

1. Alt + P

In Windows Explorer, activate an additional file preview pane to the right side of the window with this new shortcut. This panel is great for previewing images in your photos directory.

2. Windows + + (plus key) and Windows + - (plus minus key)

Pressing the Windows and plus or minus keys activates the Magnifier, which lets you zoom in on the entire desktop or open a rectangular magnifying lens to zoom in and out of parts of your screen. You can customize the Magnifier options to follow your mouse pointer or keyboard cursor. Keep in mind that so far, the Magnifier only works when Aero desktop is enabled.

3.  Windows + UP arrow key and Windows + DOWN arrow key

If a window is not maximized, pressing Windows + Up will fill it to your screen. Windows + Down will minimize that active window. Unfortunately, pressing Windows + Up again while a window is minimized won’t return it to its former state.

4. Windows + RIGHT arrow key and Windows + LEFT arrow key

One of the new features of Windows 7 is the ability to automatically make a window fill up half of your screen by dragging to the left or right. This pair of shortcuts performs the same function without your mouse. Once a window is fixed to one side of the screen, you can repeat the shortcut to flip it to the other side. This is useful if you’re extending a desktop across multiple monitors, which prevents you from executing this trick with a mouse.

5. Windows + Home 

This shortcut performs a similar function to hovering over a window’s peek menu thumbnail in the Taskbar. The active window will stay on your desktop while every other open application is minimized. Pressing this shortcut again will restore all the other windows.

6. Windows + E

Automatically opens up a new Explorer window to show your Libraries folder.

7. Windows + P

Manage your multiple-monitor more efficiently with this handy shortcut. Windows + P opens up a small overlay that lets you configure a second display or projector. You can switch from a single monitor to dual-display in either mirror or extend desktop mode.

8. Windows + Shift + LEFT arrow key and Windows + Shift + RIGHT arrow key

If you are using two or more displays, memorize this shortcut to easily move a window from one screen to the other. The window retains its size and relative position on the new screen, which his useful when working with multiple documents. Utilize that real estate!

9. Windows + [Number]

Programs (and new instances) pinned to your Taskbar can be launched by hitting Windows and the number corresponding to its placement on the Taskbar. Windows + 1, for example, launches the first application, while Windows + 4 will launch the fourth.

10. Windows + Space bar

This combo performs the same function as moving your mouse to the bottom right of the Taskbar. It makes every active window transparent so you can view your desktop. The windows only remain transparent as long as you’re holding down the Windows key.

I Hope this information will enhance your working experience on Windows. Suggestions are welcome! :)

Web Browser Grand Prix: And the winner is....

Now a days, anyone who has access to computer and internet know these names, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari... the list is long. 

As a user, since we are aware of these names, thus we are also aware of the war going on between these major web browsers to grab the maximum no. of computers running them.

Through this blog, we will understand the basic concepts governing these bunch of browsers (without talking about the technicalities) and will understand at what they are best, and which one is right for us. Let us take them one by one.

1. Windows Internet Explorer (IE)

Latest version: Windows Internet Explorer 8 

IE comes preloaded with all the versions of Microsoft Windows, that's why it is the most widely used Web browser in the world, mainly because of the users who don't care about which browser they are using, and even don't give it a thought. 

IE is good for users, who mostly do surfing (browsing) on internet. Because of it's poor add-on or plug-in support, it does not give a pleasant internet experience!  

Pros: 

• Address bar provides autocomplete
• Crash recovery
• Fast startup
• Flexible search option

Cons:

• Lacking download manager
• Heavy to load
• Lacks compatibility with modern web features like CSS, X HTML, HTML 4

2. Google Chrome

Latest Version: Google Chrome 6.0

Google Chrome is world's most famous web browser till date, not because it is widely used, but because it is from Google. Daddy Google claims it be the fastest browser ever. Well, they are right in saying so.

Depending upon your system's specifications Google Chrome really outperform its competitors when it comes to loading web pages, and rendering websites contents as well. But again, the dark side like Windows Internet Explorer is that it also disappoints as a Download Manager. Every now and then Google Chrome finds it hard to completely download the file, we ask it to.

Google Chrome is recommended for users who want to try their hands on something different from IE, and for a speedy experience of internet surfing. It surely will not disappoint you on that front.

Pros:

• Process isolated tabs and add-ons
• Neat page Search
• Excellent bookmarks management
• Drag, drop and rearrange tabs
• Excellent task manager option

Cons:

• Lack of add-ons when compared to the competitors

3. Mozilla Firefox

Latest Version: Mozilla Firefox 3.6

If you believe in rankings, Firefox ranked at no. 2 when it comes to user acceptance (my favorite as well). Firefox is one of the most flourishing open-source web browsers of all time and gives pleasant working experience.

 

Firefox offers sooner web browsing, enhanced tab handling, fresh interface tweaks and many other features. And it has really come a long way by regularly updating its features and performance!

Mozilla Firefox is a complete browser in every sense, be it browsing or downloading or plug-in(s) support. You will find thousands of add-ons available for Firefox, which in turn gives a pleasant internet experience! 

Recommended for users who go beyond browsing, and want a stable download management. Also its ocean like add-on(s) support will provide everything from your single web browser window.

Pros:

• Private browser mode
• Open video and audio
• Instant web site id
• Awesome bar
• Built-in spell checker
• Customization

Cons:

• Slow start up

4. Apple Safari

Latest version: Apple Safari 5.0 

Apple claims Safari to be world's fastest web browser. And, actually it beat all of its competitors, if and only if you are using it on Macintosh. However, if you require more than speed, Safari is not your just right choice. Safari concentrates on being trivial and non-flashy unlike other browsers that are more customizable. Hence the sleek interface is not very huge.

Recommended for your user who are using Macintosh as Operating System.

Pros:

• Spell checking for all fields
• Resizable text boxes
• New interface, Enhanced graphics

Cons:

• Lacks extension support
• Lacks smart toolbar

5. Opera 

Latest Version: Opera 10.62

Opera which ranking wise 4th in list of user acceptance, is a complete package for a internet enthusiast. Opera aims at faster browsing, better synchronization and offering modern standards to its users.

This open-source powerhouse (Opera) has all enjoyable and practical features that can make your web journey functional and fun. Further its quicker browser offers faster loading web pages and great at running your preferred web applications. Basics of Opera would include tabbed browsing, mouse-over previews, a customizable search bar, sophisticated bookmarking tools, and easy integration with e-mail and chat client, and an inbuilt torrent support (bit-torrent client) puts a full stop at your need of external application.

Recommended for users who want one set for all solution, i.e. all-in-one. 

Pros:

• Excellent security features
• Interactive voice
• Fast browsing
• Thumbnail previews
• Mouse gestures
• Customizing skins

Cons:

• non user-friendly widgets 

So, here we end at comparing web browsers. It is really difficult to say who is clear winner, because based upon your usage, the browser differs. But, if I really have to pick a winner, the position will be shared by two browsers i.e. Opera for complete offerings and Google Chrome if you want to surf internet fast, really fast!