If you like to keep four or five windows open while you work (or play) on your computer, you'll appreciate knowing these keyboard shortcuts. You can quickly switch between your Web browser, e-mail, instant message windows, and other programs without taking your hands off the keyboard.

Minimize a window to your taskbar
ALT, SPACEBAR, N
Maximize a window so it takes up your whole desktop
ALT, SPACEBAR, X
Restore a window so it's visible but doesn't take up your whole desktop
ALT, SPACEBAR, R
Close a window
ALT+F4
Switch to the last window you had open
ALT+TAB
Switch to any window
Hold down the ALT key, and press TAB until the window you want is active

Programs often start up in a "restored" state, where the window takes up only part of the screen. To maximize the window so that it takes up the entire screen, press the ALT key, press the SPACEBAR, and then press X. This will feel natural after you do it a few times, and you will feel much more efficient while using your computer.

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