Improving Use of Computer Programs

Right now, spend a few minutes reviewing the keyboard shortcuts for each program you use regularly to speed up your workflow.  

There is more to the keyboard than Ctrl/ Cmd + c and Crtl/ Cmd + v.

Updated on 5/4/12with the following

In Windows XP 

Windows Key + L - Locks your computer immediately.  Do this before you leave your computer to make it more difficult for anyone else to access the information on it.


CTRL while dragging an item - Copies the selected item

SHIFT+DELETE - Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin



CTRL+RIGHT ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word
CTRL+LEFT ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word
CTRL+DOWN ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph
CTRL+UP ARROW - Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph


CTRL+SHIFT+TAB Move backward through the tabs

SHIFT+TAB Move backward through the options

ALT+Underlined letter - Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option (lol what?)

Windows Logo+BREAK - Display the System Properties dialog box

Windows Logo+M - Minimize all of the windows, a.k.a. the "this pornography is for my viewing pleasure only key"

Windows Logo+SHIFT+M - Restore the minimized windows, a.k.a. the "time to get back to the action key"

Windows Logo+M -  Minimize all of the windows, a.k.a. the second time you come back near my computer during personal time and I have to press this again.

Windows Logo+SHIFT+M - Restores the minimized windows again.

-  There will not be a third press of these keys.  If you come back twice, personal time becomes a group activity and your participation, while not mandatory, is strongly encouraged.  Unless otherwise agreed upon, the safe word is always "safe word" because it is the easiest thing to remember and those two words always connote an end to bizarre sexual practices.  Seriously, why does anyone use any combination of words other than "safe word" to mean "this is getting too weird or it actually hurts and I want it stop right now".

Window 7+

Renaming Multiple Files with Windows Explorer

• Select a large number of files
• Press F2.
• Type the new name and press "Enter".

Creating a New Folder in Windows Explorer

• Ctrl+Shift+N

Zoom In

• Windows key and +
• Windows and - keys at the same time to zoom back out.

 Shift+Right-Click Enhances Send to Menu

Sources: http://www.guidingtech.com/4535/windows-7-keyboard-shortcut/

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/windows-xp-shortcut-key-combinations.html

THINK about the keyboard people!  

F1 - Known as "The Virgil Key" or the "Don't Panic Key" for all of you who know anything about Dante's Inferno or Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy this key is your guide.  Pressing F1 will bring up the help menu and allow you to read and learn about a program for yourself.  I can't do it all for you people.