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Useful Tips on Computer Usage (1)

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Over a span of several weeks, I have talked about the tricks of using Office software. Now it is time to change into another interesting subject to give you refreshment. This week I am going to show you how to speed up your daily work by using the [Shortcut keys] under the Windows environment.

Using [Shortcut keys]

In Windows operating system, using [Shortcut keys] wisely can save you a lot of time by allowing you to complete tasks with just a few key strokes. For example, when working with Windows NT Workstation, you can minimise all open application windows and get back to the desktop by simply pressing [Windows] key + [M] key. This saves you the trouble of having to use the mouse to minimise the windows one by one. Below are some commonly used shortcut keys.

Using the [Windows] key in conjunction with other keys

[Windows] key	To display the [start] menu
[Windows] key + [BREAK] key	To display the [System Properties] dialog box
[Windows] key + [E] key	To open the [My Computer] Window
[Windows] key + [F] key	To start the [Search] function (for a file or folder)
[Windows] key + [R] key	To open the [Run] dialog box
[Windows] key + [F1] key	To display the [Windows Help] Window
[Windows] key + [M] key	To minimise all open windows of running applications

Using the [Ctrl] key in conjunction with other keys

[Ctrl] key + [Home] key	To move the cursor to the top of the current page or the active window.
[Ctrl] key + [End] key	To move the cursor to the bottom of the current page or the active window.
[Ctrl] key + [A] key	To select all item(s) (for example, file(s) in a folder or word(s) in a document).
[Ctrl] key + [C] key	To copy the selected item(s).
[Ctrl] key + [X] key	To cut the selected item(s).
[Ctrl] key + [V] key	To paste the item(s) that you have copied or cut.
[Ctrl] key + [Z] key	To undo typing or the last action.

[Alt] Key in Windows operating system

Being the accessorial key in some general applications, the [Alt] key can also be used to achieve the following results:

1. Press the [Alt] key and the main menu of the current window will be activated. You will find that the first menu item (probably the [File]) rises up, then you can use [] or [] key to select adjacent menu items, and use the [] button to display the options shown below each of them.

2. Select a file and press [Alt] key + [Enter] key, and the [Properties] dialog box of the file will appear. This is the same as clicking a file with the right mouse button and choosing the [Properties] option from the shortcut menu.

3. Choose a file or folder, hold down the [Alt] key and doubly click the left mouse button, the [Properties] dialog box will appear.

4. Press [Alt] key + [Enter] key to maximise the [MS-DOS] window.

5. Press [Alt] key + [Spacebar] key to display the control menu of the active window.

Using the [Alt] key in conjunction with other keys

[Alt] key + [F4] key	To quickly close the active application.
[Alt] key + [Esc] key	To switch through open windows of applications in the order they are opened.
[Alt] key + [Backspace] key	To undo typing or the last action (This is the same as pressing [Ctrl] key + [Z] key).

That's about all we have time for. Next time I will bring you more useful tips.

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