Keyboard Shortcuts Part 2

Following up on Part 1 of Keyboard shortcuts, I would like to cover a few more cross platform shortcuts and some Microsoft Windows specific shortcuts.

The following shortcuts involve use of the Control Button and the Windows button. The Windows button is usually beside the Control button to the left of the space bar and typically has the Windows logo on it.


The Windows Key

Let's get started:

Ctrl + Z - ‘Undo’
Another frequently utilized function, you probably already know where the Undo button is in Microsoft Word or in your email client, but it can sometimes be such a hassle to move the mouse and click the little button, why not try the quick and easy Ctrl + Z and it’s done (or undone as the case may be.)

Ctrl + Y - ‘Redo’
Now that you are playing with Ctrl + Z to undo actions, you‘ll find that it is so easy and fun that you push it too many times! Not to worry, Ctrl + Y will Redo your last Undo.

Most programs offer the Undo and Redo functions but there are no industry standards for them. You will find that some programs can only Undo one move, where others can undo every move made since you opened or created the document.

+ D - ‘Show Desktop’ & + M - ‘Minimize All’
If your screen is getting cluttered and you need to just put it all away and clear your thoughts, try Windows Key + D or Windows Key + M. Both of these functions do exactly what they say and minimize all of the open windows and display the desktop.

+ Shift + M - ‘Undo Minimize’
If you had used the Show Desktop or Minimize All functions so that you could access a file on your desktop or just to take a break and you are ready to put everything back, Windows Key + Shift + M will put all of the open windows back on your screen the way they were originally.

+ L - ‘Lock Screen’
If you password protect your computer (and you should), you can use this handy trick to instantly lock the machine for those times that you need to step away for a few minutes.

Usually people shutdown or log off of their computers when they go home for the night, you may consider using the Lock Screen function so that your machine remains running but is secured as it will display the login screen. This is a very handy way to allow Anti Virus programs to run over night.

Alt + Tab - ‘Change Windows’
Returning to those times when you have multiple windows open at the same time, instead of clicking around searching for a specific window, try holding the Alt key and pressing the Tab key. A small window will pop up showing you all of your open windows, continue pressing Tab until the one you want is highlighted then release the keys.

There are other styles of window choosers available in the varying operating systems, although they may look different, their purpose is ultimately the same.

I think I will cover Form Navigation next time, but I am open to suggestions and requests?