Windows 7 has 21 new hotkeys

Though it could take a while to learn and get used to, Microsoft's Windows 7, the successor to the hugely unpopular Windows Vista will have numerous commands to simplify use.

Taking a couple of steps towards simplicity and efficiency, the new OS seems to have eliminated some of its predecessors intrusive "security" demands that would stall work for even the most routine tasks.

The new OS is said to have 21 new hotkey combinations that could ease usage, though there would be a definite learning curve involved in their adoption. For example, as Microsoft's Brandon Paddock writes on his blog, "Some of the new hotkeys should simplify desktop navigation." 

For instance, Win+Space will show the desktop, while Win+Up will maximize a window and Win+Down will restore and then minimise a window.

There are hotkey combinations more relevant to users of multiple display devices, and some that work with the Internet Explorer Web browser, such as Alt+P that toggles the Preview Pane on and off.

Microsoft earlier released a beta version of Windows 7 to the general public, hoping that adoption by vendors and computer manufacturers would be able to use the software to tweak their own products to run smoothly with the new operating system.

The software giant hopes that Windows 7 would be more of a success on the lines of Windows XP, and would help wipe off some of the unpopularity of Windows Vista.

Market observer Net Applications said that Vista's unpopularity has allowed arch-rival Apple to gain market share from Microsoft in the computer operating system market during in recent months, with Windows' share in November 2008 falling below 90 per cent for the first time in years while Mac OS secured almost 10 per cent.

Windows 7 is slated for launch around end 2009 or early 2010.