Now that you've had a chance to install the Windows 7 Release Candidate and spend a few weeks exploring the OS, it's time to get serious and learn some keyboard shortcuts. Windows 7 adds some new ones to the mix, all of them based on the Windows key. Here are my five favorites:

Win + Home: Minimize all windows except the one that's currently active. Hit it again to restore the windows.

Win + Space: Makes all windows transparent so you can see through to the desktop.

Win + Up Arrow: Maximizes the active window.

Win + Left/Right Arrow: Docks the active window to the left or ride side of the screen.

Win + (+/-): Enables the magnifier and zooms in/out.

Win + P: Opens Windows' presentation settings so you can quickly adjust display settings to include a second monitor or a projector.

While we're on the subject of shortcuts, be sure to check out Three Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Learn Right Now, Seven More Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Learn Right Now, and Five Firefox Shortcuts (also best learned right now).