How to Basic Keyboard Commands

Locate the list of the keyboard commands by consulting the help option on the computer. Look for the “keyboard shortcuts.” You can refer to this help whenever you are uncertain of a particular keyboard command. You can also find Microsoft and Macintosh keyboard shortcuts on the Internet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• keyboard
• computer

1. Look at the menu commands and search for the corresponding keyboard commands. Each command will have a keyboard command next to it in parenthesis. For example, at the right side of the Copy command, you will find Ctrl+C as the keyboard command.

2. Use the keyboard command by pressing the initial key followed by the second. To use the Copy command on a PC, press down and hold the Ctrl key and then hit the C key

3. Save a document. Press Ctrl+S to save a document.

4. Print a document. Hit Ctrl+ P.

5. Restart the system. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del. All three keys must be held down for this command to work.

6. Learn how to launch the Start menu. Press Ctrl+Esc.

7. Switch between open Windows applications. Press down Alt, and then hit Tab repeatedly until you have the application you want.

8. Undo the last action that you have taken. Press Ctrl+Z.

9. Redo the last action that you have taken. Press Ctrl+Y.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use the F1 through F12 keys but they perform more specific functions. These keys are normally used while simultaneously pressing another key. For example; Shift+F1 will launch the Help function.
• Most operating systems use these commands. However, if you are using Macintosh, your initial key will be different. The Command key will be used in place of Control (Ctrl). For example; if you want to copy a page, use Command + C.
• Be cautious when experimenting with keyboard commands. If you don’t know what you are doing, you could accidentally harm a file, a folder or the whole system.