Quickly Switching Between Programs LBT140 Traditionally, whether you are on a Mac or Windows machine, switching back and forth between programs that are currently open requires you to drag your cursor to the bottom of the screen, locate the desired program from within the taskbar or dock and select it; thereby bringing it to the forefront of your desktop.

(Windows XP)

(Mac OS Leopard)

Introducing Alt+Tab (Windows) / command + tab (Mac) A hotkey combination is comprised of two or more keys on your keyboard, that when activated either simultaneously or in succession will quickly perform a function typically executed through a mouse movement or menu option. In the first of many very cool hotkey combinations we will use in this class, Alt+Tab allows you to quickly transition between open applications without have to dig through the dock or taskbar at the bottom of your desktop. Using the thumb on your left hand, press and hold the Alt key located within the bottom row of your keyboard. While holding the Alt key down, use whichever finger on your left hand will allow you to most comfortably tap the Tab key. This action will produce a pop-up menu in the center of your screen with an icon representing each of the currently running programs and windows.

You will notice that one of the Windows XP Windows Vista / 7 icons in this menu is highlighted by a surrounding rectangle. By repeatedly tapping the Tab key, you can change the icon be highlighted. While you should be holding the alt key down Mac OS continually, do not hold down the tab key. Continuously holding the tab key down will result in both rapid scrolling through the icons and a headache. The rule is, whichever program or window is currently highlighted in the pop-up menu when you choose to release the alt key will be the program or menu that is brought to the top of your screen. Practice this hotkey combination several times to get the hang of it. As you work through this week’s module, you will most likely find yourself switching back and forth between the Inkscape program and the instructional resources posted within our WebCT site. Alt+Tab, or command+tab for Mac, will make quick work of this process once you get the hang of it.

Windows Key + Tab: If you are a Windows Vista or 7 user, there is a very cool, 3-D version of the Alt+Tab hotkey combination. The Windows Key + Tab combination will allow you to scroll through a 3-dimensional representation of the currently open programs and windows (pictured on the right). The windows key is usually located in the bottom row of your keyboard and displays the Windows logo. 1