In today’s fast-pasted work world, we are constantly trying to find ways to get things done as quickly as possible so we can move on to the next task. We do multiple tasks on multiple devices such as our computer and smart phone. Even when using our smart phone or just plain old cell phone, we use abbreviations such as LOL (laughing out loud) and BRB (be right back) instead of taking the extra couple of seconds to type out the entire phrase. Well, we can do the same with our computers. Instead of using “texting slag”, you can use keyboard shortcuts on your computer.

Most of us are familiar with the basic keyboard shortcuts like CTRL+C (copy) and CRTL+V (paste). However, there are other more uncommon shortcuts out there too. These shortcuts help us switch between programs, delete items, exit programs, print, log off, and much more, eliminating extra steps or even using your mouse. Let me share with you a couple I found that could save you a little time.

• ALT+TAB: This opens a window that shows you all of the programs you have open and you can easily switch between them all by keeping the ALT key pressed and hitting TAB to move from one to the next. This is much simpler than keeping track of all the windows you have open on the bottom of your screen.

• ALT+F4: You can quit any program by using this shortcut. If you are in Microsoft Word and you use this shortcut, it will ask you if you want to save changes before you close, just like it would when exiting Word normally. If you want to exit Internet Explorer using this shortcut, it will close the window that’s open or if you have multiple tabs open, it will ask if you want to close all tabs or just the current tab. This shortcut eliminates the use of the mouse to exit programs.

•SHIFT+DELETE: This will immediately delete an item without placing it in the recycle bin. If you are 100% sure you want to remove something from your desktop, simply choose this shortcut instead of deleting it from your desktop and then having to delete it from your recycle bin. This eliminates that extra step.

•SHIFT+ENTER: When you want to just complete a single space in a Word document, this will give you that ability without having to change the Paragraph spacing. 

If you have Windows Explorer on your computer, you have even more shortcut options when integrating the Windows Logo key found on the bottom left and right of your keyboard.

• Windows Logo+L: If you have Windows Explorer, you can lock your computer using this shortcut instead of using lengthier key combinations or the start menu. This will lock your computer without shutting everything down and when you unlock it, you can pick up right where you left off. I don’t advise doing this 365 days a year. Every now and then, your computer should be shut down and be rebooted in case there are any updates.

• Windows Logo+F: This shortcut finds files or folders located anywhere on your computer. It doesn’t just search a specific folder but rather your entire computer. Simply type a keyword in the search box and results from all folders will be pulled containing that word.

• Windows Logo+R: This shortcut will prompt the Run dialog box. The Run dialog box allows you to either browse to a command to run or enter the path to one if not already entered in the system’s path statement. The Run dialog box is used often so this shortcut will come in handy.

• Windows Logo+TAB: This shortcut allows you to cycle through the taskbar buttons. If you have multiple tasks open in your taskbar, this will allow you to see them one at a time and select the task you would like to see. Keeping the Windows Logo button down and continue to hit the TAB key until you find the task you would like to work on. Once you’ve found it, you make it appear by letting off both keys.

Windows also gives you the ability to create your own shortcuts. If you have a file several folders deep, you can create a shortcut that will allow you to access that file or folder much quicker. You may even want to create a shortcut for a program like Word or Excel, if you use it frequently, to eliminate some clicks on the mouse. Just follow the steps below to create custom shortcuts.

To create a shortcut for an application:

1. Right-click on the application shortcut in the Start Menu or on the desktop and choose Properties.
2. If not already selected, choose the Shortcut Tab.
3. Click in the ‘Shortcut Key’ box and enter your desired shortcut keys (i.e. CRTL+SHIFT+ALT+W). You can use what sequences you would like, but Windows does require that your shortcut uses at least two modifier keys (CTRL, SHIFT, ALT, and/or a function key or key on the keypad).
4. Select OK to close the Properties window and begin using your new keyboard shortcut.

To create a shortcut for a folder or file:

1. Right-click on the folder or file and select Create Shortcut.
2. A shortcut version of the folder or file will be created and placed above or below the original folder or file. Find this new shortcut and right-click, the select Properties.
3. Once the Properties window appears, if not already selected, choose the Shortcut Tab.
4. Click in the ‘Shortcut Key’ box and enter your desired shortcut keys (i.e. CRTL+SHIFT+ALT+W). You can use what sequences you would like, but Windows does require that your shortcut uses at least two modifier keys (CTRL, SHIFT, ALT, and/or a function key or key on the keypad).
5. Select OK to close the Properties window and begin using your new keyboard shortcut.

To remove a custom shortcut key, simply follow the same steps and use the backspace key to delete the shortcut. After you have deleted the shortcut key, choose OK to close the properties window and the shortcut sequence will be removed.

These shortcuts may not get you home faster at the end of the day, but they will make your day a little more productive. Your ability to multi-task will increase by being able to use keyboard shortcuts and the mouse simultaneously. The speed at which you are getting tasks done will increase, and therefore, decrease your turnaround time. The perks are obvious. Try using some of these shortcuts to get comfortable with them. Once you are familiar with the basic ones, work with some more difficult ones and even try creating your own. For more helpful tips on keyboard shortcuts, visit any of the following sites:

• For Windows: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449
• For Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301583/en-us
• For MAC OS X: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1343
• For Mozilla Firefox: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/keyboard+shortcuts
• For Internet Explorer: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306832