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 |
![]() | Opens Windows Explorer |
![]() | Toggles show desktop by alternately minimizing or restoring all open windows |
![]() | Opens the Find dialog box |
![]() | Locks your PC. Enter your password to unlock it |
![]() | Minimizes all open windows so you can access the desktop |
![]() | Restores all minimized windows |
![]() | Opens the Run dialog box where you can enter a command line instruction |
![]() | Opens the System Properties dialog box |
![]() | Opens Ease of Access Center dialog box where you can start accessibility utilities |
![]() | Opens Help and Support dialog box |
![]() ![]() | Maximizes the active window |
![]() ![]() | Restores windows to their initial size |
![]() | Launches Magnifier |
![]() | Closes Magnifier |
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