How to Use Keyboard Commands Instead of Menu Commands

By eHow Computers Editor

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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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Mac OS 9.0
  • Microsoft Windows

Finding Keyboard Commands

Step1
To find a complete list of keyboard commands, use the online help on your computer. Search for "keyboard shortcuts."
Step2
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

Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
To paste material from the Clipboard, use Ctrl+V in Windows and Command-V on a Macintosh.
Step4
To cut selected material, use Ctrl+X in Windows and Command-X on the Macintosh.
Step5
To print the active file, use Ctrl+P in Windows and Command-P on the Macintosh.
Step6
To save a file, use Ctrl+S in Windows and Command-S on the Macintosh.
Step7
To select an entire document, use Ctrl+A in Windows and Command-A on the Macintosh.
Step8
To use the Undo command, press Ctrl+Z in Windows and Command-Z on the Macintosh.
Step9
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.
Step10
To display the Start menu in Windows, use Ctrl+Escape.
Step11
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.

Comments

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sonia123 said

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

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Here are a few shortcuts:

Windows Logo - Displays or hides the Start menu

Windows Logo+BREAK - Displays the System Properties dialog box

Windows Logo+D - Displays the desktop

Windows Logo+M - Minimizes all of the windows

Windows Logo+SHIFT+M - Restores the minimized windows

Windows Logo+E - Opens My Computer

Windows Logo+F - To search for a file or a folder

CTRL+Windows Logo+F - To search for computers

Windows Logo+F1 - Displays Windows Help

Windows Logo+L - Locks the keyboard

Windows Logo+R - Opens the Run dialog box

Windows Logo+U - Opens Utility Manager

When typing an address ending in '.com' simply type the main part into the address bar and while holding down CTRL press ENTER...windows will add the rest. For example, to go to www.google.com simply type in 'google' and follow the above.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Press Ctrl and Home to move quickly to the very beginning, or Ctrl and End to get to the very end of your document (no matter where your insertion point is in the file).

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eHow Article:  How to Use Keyboard Commands Instead of Menu Commands

eHow Computers Editor

eHow Computers Editor

Category: Computers

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