Most of us are on our computers for extended periods of the day. Make using the system just a bit easier with a few of these tricks.
Keyboard shortcuts save so much time! Learn them, take advantage of them. Note, that Mac users use command instead of ctrl. I’ve broken them up into categories where you’ll usually use them.
Word Processors
- CTRL C: Copy
- CTRL V: Paste
- CTRL X: Cut
- CTRL Z: Undo
- CTRL Y: Redo
- CTRL B: Bold
- CTRL U: Underline
- CTRL I: Italicize
Microsoft Excel
- F2: Edit cells
- Shift Space: Selects whole lines
- CTRL Space: Selects whole columns
- CTRL +: Insert Cell
- CTRL -: Delete Cell
- CTRL 1: Edits cell format
Internet Browsing
- CTRL N: New Window
- CTRL T: New Tab
- CTRL Shift T: Reopen last closed tab
- CTRL Shift W: Close all open tabs
- CTRL W: Close current tab
- CTRL +: Zoom in
- CTRL -: Zoom out
- CTRL 0: Reset zoom to default
- CTRL F: Find in Page
Windows Management
- CTRL SHIFT ESC: Brings up task manager (Disclaimer: I’ve never tried this on macOS)
- W L: Automatically locks your computer (only on Windows)
- CMD CTRL Q: Locks screen (only on macOS)
- CMD Option Power: Logs off (only on macOs)
Move on from using print screen button and paint to get a screenshot of your computer. Unless, you’re really attached to it, but there are easier ways.
- Macs: CMD Shift 4 allows your mouse to select a portion of your screen
- PCs: Use the snipping tool, it’s a program predownloaded on your computer! It also allows you to select a portion of your screen.
Finally, some general PC tips. Sorry Mac users, I’m not well versed in your craft.
- Adjust any setting on your PC with a “God Mode” Folder (it’s just a centralized control panel for OS settings) To access it, create a folder called God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}.
- Back up your data!!! Invest in a hard drive or make use of secure cloud storage
- Problem Step Recorder, tracks all mouse clicks and takes screenshots. It’s useful when you’re trying to diagnose a PC. Access it with W + R then typing “psr”
There are some tips and tricks to make using your system a little bit easier, and hopefully faster! Let me know some of your tricks when navigating your technology down in the comments below!