The Windows key (the key on your keyboard with the Windows' Flag logo on it) has been with us since Windows 95, the company's first 32-bit release. The Windows key gets ignored most of the time and if you count yourself among those that do, here are a few reasons you might want to start showing it some love.

Most of the key combinations are common among all Windows distributions.

	The Windows key by itself opens the Start menu.
	When combined with the 'D' key, this will hide all windows and show the desktop. If pressed again, it will show or return all windows to their positions.
	Windows and the F key will bring up the Search window.
	One of my favorites; Windows and E will bring up 'My Computer'.
	Another favorite, Windows and the R key will bring up the Run window.
	Can't quite remember how many GHz your CPU is packin'? Access the System Properties window by pressing Windows and the Pause (Break) key.
	Intruder alert! Raise the defcon level and lock the desktop with Windows and the L key.
	If you are using Windows Vista or higher and on a mobile device, use Windows and X to access the Windows Mobility Center.