Windows 7, the next major operating system from Microsoft, is going to hit the streets on October 22. Though a couple of months are to go, before the brand new OS debuts, the beta and the release candidate has been around for some time and have given the users a solid feel of the Operating System. As with any OS, the new Windows also hosts an array of Keyboard shortcuts that you can’t miss. The modern World may have pushed mouse far, but when it comes to quick tasks, keyboard still rules.

Here are some of the common keyboard shortcuts that you can use in Windows 7

1. Windows + Space (Aero Peek)

This shortcut enables the Aero Peek Feature of Windows 7. It helps you view the desktop by making all the open windows transparent. This is a useful feature if the user too many gadgets and they keep hiding beneath the open Windows. Alternatively, the same effect can be achieved by positioning the cursor at the far right corner of the Taskbar (or the Superbar as it is called in Windows 7).

2. Windows + Home (Aero Shake)

Another eye candy feature touted in the Windows 7, Aero shake literally shakes off the inactive Windows. Using the cursor, just click and drag the title bar of the active Window left and right, you will see that all other Windows get minimized. This keyboard shortcut does it without the trouble of positioning the cursor of the mouse.

3. Windows + Right/Left (Aero Snap)

Aero Snap intelligently Snaps the active Window to the left/right side of the screen. Press Windows + Right and you will see that your currently active windows resizes to half its maximized state and moves to the right of the screen. Pressing the left key moves the Window to the left side. Pressing any of the keys again, will lead to a cycle with the Window aligning left, right, maximized and then left again(provided you press the left key multiple times).

4. Windows + Shift + Left/Shift + Right

This shortcut is intended for users with Dual Monitor setup. As it might be obvious for the reader now, Windows + Shift + Left key pushes the active Window to the Left monitor of the Dual Screen. The Right key pushes the window to the right side screen. Pushing multiple times will provide a repeat cycle.

5. Windows + Up/Down

This shortcut maximizes/minimizes the presently active Window. Pressing Windows + Up maximizes and Pressing Windows + Down minimizes. Very handy feature to use.

6. Windows + Plus/Minus

Previously an accessibility feature, this shortcut brings the Windows Magnifier to the mainstream. Windows + Plus zooms in on anything present on the screen and the Minus symbol zooms out.

7. Windows + T

This shortcut shows the preview thumbnail of running applications in the Windows Superbar. It cycles through each of the running applications, in the Superbar, showing a thumbnail preview of the application. Alternatively, you can mouse over each icon to display its preview.

8. Alt + Up/ Alt + Left/ Alt + Right (Directory Navigation Keys)

Unless for long directory lists, I rarely use mouse to go through documents. Hence the new shortcuts are really a boon. These keys enable a user to quickly navigate in the Windows Explorer

9. Windows + M (Already in Vista)

This neat feature minimizes all the open windows. Similar to the old “Show Desktop”

10. Windows + Tab (Already in Vista)

The Windows Flip 3D task switcher. It is Alt + Tab on steroids and showmanship. Cycles through the open Windows with a cool 3D effect.

11. Windows + Number (Already in Vista)

This launches Programs from the Superbar. For example Windows + 1 will launch the first program after the Start button.