New Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

 

Personally, if I could avoid using my mouse altogether, I would. I use shortcuts for just about everything I can and I’m happy to share my list of shortcuts for the new Windows 8 operating system with you.

New Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 8

• Windows+first letters of app: Search your PC
• Ctrl+plus or Ctrl+minus: Zoom in or out
• Ctrl+scroll wheel: Zoom in or out
• Windows+C: Open the charms / Commands for Open App
• Windows+F: Open the Search charm to search files
• Windows+H: Open the Share charm
• Windows+I: Open the Settings charm
• Windows+J: Switch the main app and snapped app
• Windows+K: Open the Devices charm
• Windows+O: Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape)
• Windows+Q: Open the Search charm to search apps
• Windows+W: Open the Search charm to search settings
• Windows+Z: Show the commands available in the app
• Windows+spacebar: Switch input language and keyboard layout
• Windows+Ctrl+spacebar: Change to a previously selected input
• Windows+Tab: Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps)
• Windows+Ctrl+Tab: Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) and snaps them as they are cycled
• Windows+Shift+Tab: Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order
• Windows+PgUp: Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the left (Apps in the desktop won’t change monitors)
• Windows+PgDown: Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the right (Apps in the desktop won’t change monitors)
• Windows+period: Snaps an app to the right
• Windows+Shift+period: Snaps an app to the left
• Esc: Stop or exit the current task

Frequently Used General Windows Shortcuts

• ALt+F4: Close open program or app
• Alt+Esc: Cycle through items by order of being opened
• Alt+Enter: Display Properties of a selected item
• Alt+Left Arrow: Back
• Alt+Right Arrow: Forward
• Alt+Tab: Switch Between Open Apps
• Ctrl+C: Copy
• Ctrl+X: Cut
• Ctrl+V: Paste
• Ctrl+Y: Redo
• Ctrl+Z: Undo
• Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Task Manager
• Ctrl+Alt+Delete: Vulcan Nerve Pinch
• PrintScr: Copy contents of desktop to clipboard as BMP image
• Windows+E: Open My Computer
• Windows+Up Arrow: Maximize Current Window
• Windows+Down Arrow: Minimize Current Window
• Windows+Left Arrow: Maximize Desktop program to left side of screen
• Windows+Right Arrow: Maximize Desktop program to right side of screen

Dell Releases New Windows 8 Products

Looks like Dell is ready to go for Windows 8. I just don’t know if it looks like these will be good or not. With Dell’s presence in the enterprise though, these might be just what IT organizations are looking for to pacify it’s “consumerized” group of employees.

First up, the XPS 12:

This interesting guy here weighs in at 3.35 lbs. It has two USB 3.0 slots, a MiniDisplay port, 3.5 mm headphone jack and dual speakers. The unique part about it is that the screen flips over, allowing the XPS 12 to turn into an oversized slate. The touchscreen is enticing, but the design is questionable. I can see worn out and broken hinges being a possible issue. Also, the reviewers at Engadget seem to think the trackpad is a little flaky for their liking and not as smooth as it could be when using it in the desktop environment.

They sum it up here:

“Though the XPS 12's size and weight make it a bit unwieldy as a substitute tablet, it's still a compelling option if you're in the market for a high-end, touch-enabled Ultrabook. The XPS 12 is almost as light as other Ultrabooks, with a premium industrial design, comfortable keyboard, gorgeous 1080p screen and a super-fast boot-up time. The biggest drawbacks seem to be the flaky trackpad and the relatively short battery life, which doesn't improve much when you dim that 400-nit display. We'll be curious to see how other touchscreen Ultrabooks fare, particularly those with similarly versatile designs. In the meantime, though, the XPS 12 represents a solid start for this new wave of Windows 8 shape-shifters.”

-Engadget.com

Dell is also releasing a wireless touchpad. I have never desired using a touchpad on a PC. On my MacBook Air, I actually prefer using the touchpad and purchased Apple’s Bluetooth touchpad to go with it. I’m not sure how successful, or even desirable this Dell offering will be.

And now introducing the Dell XPS 10 Windows 8 RT tablet.

The XPS 10 Windows 8 RT tablet is Dell’s RT offering. This is not the fully functional Windows 8 OS but a mobile tuned version limited to apps in the Windows Marketplace. This tablet, like most others becoming available, has a optional keyboard dock that turns it into a pseudo laptop of sorts. Dell’s Windows 8 RT goes on presale for $499 for a 32GB tablet. Without the optional keyboard, that drops down to $399.

Dell XPS 10 Tablet

51% of iPhone Accidents Happen Around the Home–Infographic

If you’ve ever fallen victim to a chipped corner, a scuffed up bezel, and the all-too-glorious shattered screen, then you might have also been in one of the situations below.

Here’s a breakdown of how iPhone damage happens at home according to the good folks over at extended-warranty provider Squaretrade.com.

Microsoft Releases Surface Tablet RT Pricing

Today Microsoft unveiled pricing for their new Surface Tablet RT. For those who don’t know, some Windows Surface tablets run a version of Windows 8 they are calling RT. This version is not the full version of Windows 8 that will be on PCs later this year and instead is, "an exciting new version of Microsoft Windows," that "works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store." –Microsoft. For some reference, Apple's mobile OS, iOS , does not run standard OSX software and is only compatible with apps from Apple's App Store. Microsoft is now taking the same approach with Windows RT.

There are details on the Microsoft.com website and the Surface RT tablet starts at $499 for 32 gigs without a Touch Cover and $599 with a Black Touch Cover. This is right in line with iPad pricing. A surface tablet without the Touch Cover comes in even cheaper than Apple's 32 gig iPad which starts at $599. For Apple's price, consumers can get a 32 gig Surface RT with Microsoft's new Touch Cover included.

The announcement of Surface pricing marks the beginning of Microsoft officially being a player and signifies an important step into the mobility market.

Surface Tablet RT is releasing October 26th, 2012 and you can go check out the "Help me choose” page.

For those who like toys, visit the Pre-order page and pick one up!!

Watch YouTube TV!

YouTube has silently rolled out a new feature that can be accessed simply by going to YouTube.com/TV. This interface is intended to provide simple navigation for a big screen or TV. Using the keyboard to navigate up and down and shortcut keys like S for search and G for home, this interface is definitely slick looking, simple, and delivers just the content.

After going to youtube.com/tv users can also add a mobile device to serve as a remote. It feels more like a second screen to me, and this is where playlists, subscriptions, video info, and play queue creation takes place; leaving the big screen to display just the content. It is not limited to a TV and the interface can used on any display with access to YouTube.

First go to Login & Settings on Youtube.com/TV and choose the option to pair a device. A pairing code will be generated…

Then go to to Youtube.com/activate on the device and enter the code. Now you can select YouTube videos to watch on the “TV screen” that was just paired. There’s also a YouTube Remote app available for Android

The new Youtube.com/TV interface looks to replace YouTube.com/Leanback, a similar service/interface, while providing a more streamlined, minimalistic approach. From the looks of things, YouTube may be trying to convert the Leanback service to the TV service. Either way, this is a great way to watch YouTube.

Marissa Mayer Arming All Yahoo Employees iPhone 5’s

New Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer might be anxious to get Yahoo turned around and revive the reputation, image, and value of the internet powerhouse but it this irresponsible and superficial or just plain super-cool? Mayer sent an email to all of Yahoo’s full time and part time employees in the US and said they would receive new smartphones under their internal program, “Yahoo! Smart Phones, Smart Fun!”.

Through the program, employees will have a choice of phones (along with data and voice plans) that includes the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One X, HTC Evo 4G LTE, or Nokia Lumia 920. Notice anyone missing from the list? It’s just not going to get better for Blackberry is it….

According to a Yahoo memo, the idea is for Yahoo employees to use similar devices to what their users have so they can think and work like a majority of their users do. “People are happy,” Yahoo says. The program will cost Yahoo a few million dollars, but if the benefit will be a more informed and motivated workforce then Yahoo is on the right track to turn-around.

Read the article from businessinsider here: http://www.businessinsider.com/marissa-mayer-just-gave-every-yahoo-employee-an-iphone-5-2012-9#ixzz26w6RQjcZ

Experts say iPhone matches Blackberry in enterprise security

Certainly not what RIM executives want to see, and just another moment in the ongoing Blackberry decline. According to a report from Tech Republic by Nick Heath, “IT leaders and industry experts believe that Apple now roughly matches RIM on mobile security, removing BlackBerry’s last remaining advantage over the iPhone in enterprise.”

As I wrote about last October, one of the biggest reasons (aside from the physical keyboard) people allow themselves to suffer with miniture screen sizes and a sore lack of functionality via apps is the security a Blackberry environment can provide. Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) has always provided superior management, tracking, policy enforcement, and central management for a fleet of Blackberry devices. Now through many efforts of companies like Afaria, MobileIron, and Maas360 the Mobile Device Management (MDM) options for organizations allow for fleets of iOS, Android, and other devices to be managed just the same as a BES can – and without the hefty price tag RIM charges.

IT directors are seeing that there are no longer any reasons to limit employees to a Blackberry. Organizations ranging in fields from accounting shops with 2,500 employees to government agencies with over 12,000 employees are simply ditching Blackberry for something better and just as manageable.

With the iPhone 5 coming out this week, iPhone 4S is dropping to $99 and iPhone 4 can be found for free on some carriers. So now even the price of a device is on par, even better, than Blackberry.

A RIM spokesperson said the company was “unable to provide a comment” (unable or unwilling?) Oh well…at least RIM showed off…ERRRR, leaked the new Blackberry 10 recently…