Don't get caught in a mouse trap!

Try incorporating some keyboard shortcuts into your computing.
Feb 2011
by Robin Wark

Keyboard shortcuts can make computing a lot easier. Instead of taking time to use your mouse and click, you can accomplish the same task with a few keystrokes – without taking your hands away from the keyboard. Over the course of a day, this can save you a lot of time.

As well, keyboard shortcuts are very handy when using a laptop computer. You can't always use an external mouse when you are travelling. Touch pads can be tricky to use. Shortcuts for common tasks let you get your work done without mouse hassle.

The Basics
These commonly used shortcuts apply to many popular programs, such as Microsoft Word, and in many cases to Windows:

  • CTRL+Z: Undo
  • CTRL+C: Copy
  • CTRL+V: Paste
  • CTRL+X: Cut

When working in text programs, shortcuts make it easy to format things the way you want:

  • CTRL+B: Bold
  • CTRL+I: Italics
  • CTRL+U: Underline
  • CTRL+HOME: Go to the top of a document

Windows helpers
You can navigate and perform common tasks in Windows using these handy system key combinations:

  • F1: Help (also works in many popular programs)
  • CTRL+ESC: Opens the Start menu
  • ALT+TAB: Lets you switch between open applications
  • SHIFT+DELETE: Permanently delete an item
  • Windows Logo+L: Lock computer
  • CTRL+ALT+DELETE: Access menu to lock computer, switch users, log off, change passwords or start Task Manager

Working with windows
If you are one of those computer users who likes to have plenty of windows open at once, you'll appreciate these shortcuts:

  • ALT+SPACEBAR+N: Minimize a window to the taskbar
  • ALT+SPACEBAR+X: Maximize a window so that it takes up the whole desktop
  • ALT+SPACEBAR+R: Restores a window so that it is visible but doesn't take up your whole screen
  • ALT+F4: Close a window

As you can see, you can accomplish a lot with keyboard shortcuts. The best part is that they are literally at your fingertips. It might take a bit of time to get used to using them instead of reaching for the mouse. Once you get used to using them, however, you will appreciate how easy it is and the time you save.

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