Final answer:
The quickest way to collapse the ribbon commands and tabs in software applications is by double-clicking on one of the tabs in the ribbon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quickest way to collapse the ribbon commands and tabs in various software applications, such as Microsoft Office programs, is by double-clicking on one of the tabs in the ribbon.
For example, in Microsoft Word, if you double-click on the 'Home' tab, it will collapse the ribbon and show only the tab names. You can double-click on any of the tabs again to expand the ribbon.
This method provides a quick way to maximize the space on your screen and focus on the content without the distraction of the ribbon commands and tabs.