Automatic assignment of shortcut keys for launching applications or for
providing other commands is provided based on the position of
corresponding application listings or shortcuts in a menu. The menu may
include an applications menu, such as a start menu. The menu may also
include an application launch bar listing applications that may be
launched therefrom by selecting the respective application, or by
entering shortcut keys that are automatically assigned based on the
position of the application listing on the launch bar. Methods are
provided for assigning application launch shortcut keys, for identifying
assigned shortcut keys, for modifying shortcut keys, and for using
shortcut keys for instantiating or switching applications.