a simple essay
Jan15
Windows Shortcuts
Ever since we entered the age of graphical computing with Windows we started relying on the mouse as the only interaction with the computer and forgot all about the keyboard. In the days of DOS all we had was pretty much a keyboard and as such DOS programs were made with that in mind. DOS programs allows you to access much needed tools with the use of the keyboards and shortcut key presses using some of the extra non alphanumeric keys like Alt and Ctrl.
Current Windows programs still keep to that philosophy as some programs like Microsoft Word are keyboard centric have a vast array of keyboard shortcuts. That way you don’t have to move your hand to the mouse, stopping your current train of thought so you can maneuver your hand to the mouse, look for what you need, and perhaps take longer the you should. So, in order to make yourself more efficient when using your computer, keep these shortcuts in mind.
General Windows Shortcuts
| Ctrl + Esc (Windows Key) | Pops up the Start Menu |
| Windows + M | Minimizes all windows |
| Windows + E | Starts up Windows Explorer |
| Alt + F4 | Closes the current program or window |
| Ctrl + W | Closes the current document or window |
| F1 | Help and Support for current program or window |
| F3 | Search for Files or Folders |
General Application Shortcuts (found in most programs)
| Ctrl + O | Brings up the Open Document Dialog |
| Ctrl + S | Saves the current document |
| Ctrl + P | Prints the current document |
| Ctrl + N | Opens a new document |
| Ctrl + C | Copies selection to clipboard |
| Ctrl + X | Cuts selection to clipboard |
| Ctrl + V | Pastes at the selection latest addition to the clipboard |
| Ctrl + A | Selects everything in the document |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + F | Brings up the Find dialog |
| Ctrl + H | Brings up the Replace dialog |
Internet Explorer Shortcuts
| Alt + Home | Go to the Home Page |
| Alt + → | Next page |
| alt + ← (Backspace) | Previous page |
| ↑ / ↓ | Moves up and down a page slowly |
| Page Up Page Down | Moves up and down a page by screens |
| F5 | Refresh the current page |
| F6 | Focus on the Address Bar |
| F4 | Display Address Bar history |
| Ctrl + Enter | Add “www.” and “.com” when typing an address in the Address Bar |
| Ctrl + D | Add current page to Favorites |
| Ctrl + I | Show Favorites side bar |
| Ctrl + H | Show history side bar |
| Ctrl + E | Show Internet Search side bar |