InsaneJournal

TaskSwitchXP
TaskSwitchXP:
I recently learned a neat trick for WinXp, and then I found something that makes it even better.
The trick is the Alt+Tab hot key for quickly switching between windows on your taskbar. Press Alt+Tab and continue to hold the Alt key down. A little panel will come up showing all instances of all programs showing on your taskbar. Continue holding the Alt key down while using the tab key to navigate through the windows. When you release the Alt key, the window that was selected will be displayed at the top of all other windows. Try it. In order to test it, you will need to have at least two windows open, otherwise, nothing happens.
Now, the old, outdated default switcher is pretty neat, but what really makes the Alt+Tab hot key rock is this really cool replacement called TaskSwitchXP. This is Free, open source software that enhances the Alt+Tab functionality. It is only available for WinXp, and includes some really neat features. For example, you can see a thumbnail preview of all windows, activate a "sticky key" option that eliminates the need for you to continue to hold down the Alt button, you can navigate the panel with your mouse or arrow keys as well as the tab button, and it is skinned to match the WinXp themes. The creators have put together a really comprehensive website about TaskSwitchXP, so head on over to check it out and download it. I've been using it for a couple of days and I already love it. It works even when some of your windows are "not responding" and is especially nice for switching between instances of Microsoft Office. Quick, lite, easy, and packed with features. I highly recommend it. Frankly, it's the kind of feature you would expect to be default in a product like Windows XP. And it's FREE!

Note: This feature is built into Windows Vista.