Get productive with Windows 7’s keyboard shortcuts

AMOUSE comes with every Windowsbased PC. But that doesn't mean you have to use it. In fact, Microsoft has been slowly sending that message with each new version of Windows that it produces. In Windows 7, in fact, keyboard shortcuts are everywhere. You just have to know them. Of course, few people memorise keyboard shortcuts for everything.

But concentrate a while on the shortcuts for areas of Windows 7 that you use the most, and you're likely to find a few that are so useful that you'll remember them quickly.

First, though, a word about the formatting of the shortcuts discussed below. The plus sign (+) is used to signify two or more keys that should be pressed in quick succession. For Ctrl+B, for example, you would hold down the Ctrl key and tap the letter B on your keyboard. The abbreviation "Win," too stands for the Windows key found on most keyboards today. It's the key that opens the Start menu, but it's now frequently used in conjunction with other keys to activate features or functions. Let's get started.

Windows Explorer: When you're working with files and folders — and consequently with the Windows Explorer file manager — you just want to get your work done, and fast. So it's great to know a few keystrokes to speed you on your way.

And there's good news in Windows 7 for Explorer lovers. For starters, you can now make a new folder simply by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N. When you do, a new folder appears in the current directory that you're in, and the words New Folder are automatically highlighted, ready for