In a previous post I had mentioned about 60 free .NET components available at no cost at all. These are high quality controls and I still have to try many of them. 

Well, looking for a Silverlight Datagrid, I came across Devexpress again and noticed they are offering these two compoent sets for free, including their source code. 

• Silverlight Datagrid Control - here
  
• Silverlight Menu - Toolbar controls - here
  

I used to love Xceed andComponentOne controls, but they are expensive and Devexpress has become one of my favourites since they make it nearly impossible not to try/use their components and become a fan of them...

I just thought I'd post this, because there aren't many Silverlight Datagrid controls and this one is free. I will likely be doing some experiments with these controls, as soon as I am done with another Silverlight experiment I am working on..

I don't know...it is just a key that doesn't seem to do anything when pressed and it is just in the way. So many years staring at it and wondering what it was good for.

Well, it appears this little key is actually quite useful, as I have recently learned. By combining the Windows Key with other key, it allows you to perform frequently used task with hardly any effort. For example, to launch Windows Explorer, you may go to Start > Accessories, etc or maybe rightclick the Start button and select Explore or...... you could just hit Windows Key + E. That simple. Check out this list of shortcuts that I am sure you will start using, if you didn't know them already. 

[Windows Key] + L: Locks the workstation
[Windows Key] + E: Launch Windows Explorer

[Windows Key] + Tab: Cycle through the buttons in the Task Bar.

[Windows Key] + R: Launch the Run dialog box
[Windows Key] + Pause/Break: Launch System Properties dialog box

[Windows Key] + D: Minimize or restore all windows
[Windows Key] + M: Minimizes all open windows.
[Windows Key] + Shift + M: Undo minimize all windows

[Windows Key] + F: Launch Search for Files
[Windows Key] + Ctrl + F: Launch Search for Computers

[Windows Key] + U: Launch the Utility Manager

PS: In Office 2003 SP1 and 2007 the Windows Key has even more functionality. For example, by pressing Windows key + S in OneNote you can take an instant screen clipping - just drag the cursor over the area you want to "clip". Then paste the clipping wherever you need it.