This tip applies to all versions of Windows. The Cool Switch is a quick, easy way to switch between programs you currently have running.

To use the Cool Switch:

Hold down the ALT key, and then tap and release the TAB key. A long narrow box will pop up across the middle of your screen, with icons representing the programs you currently have running, and will stay there as long as you hold down the ALT key.

It will also show the loaded file, and name of each program running at the bottom of it.

To cycle through the programs release TAB and tap it again to advance through the list.

When you get to the program you want on top of the mess on your desktop, release the ALT key, and that program will jump to the front.

You can also back up through the list of icons by holding down both the SHIFT and ALT keys when hitting TAB.

If you use the Cool Switch to bring first one, then another program to the front, a quick ALT-TAB will switch between the last two brought to the front. This is very handy for doing cut and paste operations between two files.