You may find it difficult to believe, but the early PCs didn't have a mouse or a touch pad. Everything was done with the keyboard. I know it sounds backward, but even though processors where crude and memory was scarce, using the keyboard you could actually do things a lot faster. By typing a DOS command you can copy a file way faster than by using a graphical File Manager.
I didn't quit using DOS for everyday tasks until the Windows 95 operating system was released. Along with Windows 95, keyboards with a Windows key were introduced. The Windows key is the key with the logo on it just to the left of the [Alt] key. The Windows key adds some functionality that can speed up your access the Windows Desktop and give you quick access to some useful utilities.
Below is a list of Windows key shortcuts that you may find useful.
 | Opens the Start menu |
| [e] | Opens Windows Explorer |
| [d] | Toggles show desktop by alternately minimizing or restoring all open windows |
| [f] | Opens the Find dialog box |
| [l] | Locks your PC. Enter your password to unlock it |
| [m] | Minimizes all open windows so you can access the desktop |
| [Shift][m] | Restores all minimized windows |
| [r] | Opens the Run dialog box where you can enter a command line instruction |
| [Pause/Break] | Opens the System Properties dialog box |
| [u] | Opens Ease of Access Center dialog box where you can start accessibility utilities |
| [F1] | Opens Help and Support dialog box |
 | Maximizes the active window |
 | Restores windows to their initial size |
| [+] | Launches Magnifier |
| [Esc] | Closes Magnifier |
More Windows Tips:
• Change Vista's Start Menu Shutdown Option
• Delete Windows App Usage History
• Change the Mouse Pointer
• Single-click to Open Applications and Files
• Access Useful Laptop Settings in the Windows Mobility Center
• Configure the Start Menu
• Configure Windows 7 File Contents Searching
• Google Apps vs Office 365
• How to Repair a Damaged Excel File
• Move a Window With Keyboard Arrow Keys