As ever with new operating systems, a slew of extra functionality is added. Unfortunately some neat little features are sometimes lost amongst the big functionality changes when it is publicized. I’ve been using Windows 7 for quite a few months now and one feature set that is making my life easier is all to do with the Aero Desktop. More specifically the Peek, Snap and Shake functions.
Here are some videos that demonstrate the functionality:
At first they do seem rather gimmicky ideas, but after using them for a while, I’m finding that the Snap and Shake functions are incredibly useful when you have many different Windows open and need to get through the clutter.
There are also keyboard commands that reproduce the functionality (Win = The Windows key):
- Win and Up – Maximize
- Win and Down – Restore/Minimize
- Win and Left – Snap to Left of screen
- Win and Right – Snap to Right of screen
- Win and Home – Restore or minimize all windows other than the one in focus
- Win and T – Cycle throw Taskbar entries.
- Win and Space (hold) – Peek at the desktop
- Win and G – Bring gadgets to the top
- Win and number keys (1-9) – Open program pinned on the taskbar in order
- Win and Plus key – Zoom in
- Win and Minus key – Zoom out