Dear Geek,
One of my co-workers is constantly using “shortcuts” on his keyboard to do simple things like cutting & pasting. What are the shortcuts, and how do I use them?
Thanks,
A Little off the Side
Dear Little,
Shortcuts are an easy way to be more efficient at work. Here’s a shortlist of the more common keyboard shortcuts:
1. Copy (CTRL-C)
Used when you want to copy data between two applications. Use when you want to place the text you highlight into the Windows Clipboard without deleting it from the existing location.
2. Cut (CTRL-X)
If you want to delete the existing text from one section and place it into another section.
3. Paste (CTRL-V)
Use this to place the copied or cut text, once you’ve opened the document that you want it in.
4. Select All (CTRL-A)
Want to highlight and copy all of the text? Use this and all of the text in the document will be highlighted for you.
5. Save (CTRL-S)
Using this, you can save without the drudgery of moving your mouse to select the ‘SAVE’ button, or without searching for the ‘SAVE’ command in the menu.
6. Print (CTRL-P)
To print your document
7. Open (CTRL-O)
Use when the ‘OPEN’ option is hidden in the menu
8. Minimize All Windows (Windows-M)
Need to get to your desktop, but you have tons of applications open? Simply hold down the Windows logo key and the ‘M’ key, and you will instantly minimize every application that you have open.
9. Search For Files & Folders (Windows-F)
This will bring up the “Search” field, and will examine your hard drive for an occurrence of your search term.
10. Lock Computer (Windows-L)
If you’re stepping away from your computer, and want to make sure no one uses it while you’re gone, this is a handy shortcut to know. It will bring up a screen where you can then press CTRL-ALT-DELETE, and then log in with the same Username and Password you enter when Windows starts up.
11. Permanently Delete (SHIFT-DELETE)
If you have a sensitive file that you want permanently deleted (not just transferred to the Windows Recycle Bin, which it usually does), you can use this to make sure they are immediately and permanently removed from the hard drive. Use this with caution, though. Permanent is permanent.
If you have a question for our Resident Geek, send it to: geek@tbyd.ca. We’ll translate it from Geek-lish to English, so it actually helps!
Comments? Fill out the form below and let us know!
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]
Leave a Reply