How to Use Keyboard Commands Instead of Menu Commands

Many computer commands can be accomplished by using keyboard commands instead of mouse commands. Using the keyboard is a much faster method once you memorize the commands. These instructions should work for most operating systems and applications.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac OS 9.0
• Microsoft Windows

Finding Keyboard Commands

1. To find a complete list of keyboard commands, use the online help on your computer. Search for "keyboard shortcuts."

2. Many software applications, such as Microsoft Office, show the keyboard commands next to their equivalent menu commands. The keyboard commands appear to the right of the menu commands. For example, In Microsoft Word, the Save command has Ctrl+S to the right. Ctrl+S is the keyboard command.

Using Keyboard Commands

3. To use a keyboard command, hold down the first key listed, then press the second key. In Windows, the first key is usually Control. On the Macintosh, the first key is usually Command (the propeller-shaped key to the left of the Option key). Some common keyboard commands follow.

4. To copy selections, press Control and C (commonly abbreviated Ctrl+C) in Windows. On a Macintosh, press Command and C (commonly abbreviated Command-C). Your selected material will be copied into the Clipboard.

5. To paste material from the Clipboard, use Ctrl+V in Windows and Command-V on a Macintosh.

6. To cut selected material, use Ctrl+X in Windows and Command-X on the Macintosh.

7. To print the active file, use Ctrl+P in Windows and Command-P on the Macintosh.

8. To save a file, use Ctrl+S in Windows and Command-S on the Macintosh.

9. To select an entire document, use Ctrl+A in Windows and Command-A on the Macintosh.

10. To use the Undo command, press Ctrl+Z in Windows and Command-Z on the Macintosh.

11. To restart your system without shutting down completely, use the Control, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously in Windows. On a Macintosh, press the Power key.

12. To display the Start menu in Windows, use Ctrl+Escape.

13. To switch to another application in Windows, hold down the Alt key while repeatedly pressing Tab.

Tips & Warnings

• The keys marked F1 to F12 perform specific functions. Check your user's manual for details.

[defence509]

on 3/16/2009 window security aler

[dcole]

on 3/11/2009 It's amazing to me how few people use key strokes when they are so much faster, especially for touch-typists. At least memorize Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V, Ctrl-A, and Windows-key (to bring up the start menu).

[sonia123]

on 5/11/2008 Anonymous.....you should write and article on this yourself. =P

on 11/22/2005 Ctrl+Shift+Esc brings up the task manager instead of Ctrl+Alt+Del

on 11/22/2005 I have a shortcut to minimize or maximize a particular window. Hold ALT, press the space bar, and press X for maximizing. Hold ALT, press the space bar, and press N for minimizing.