I made a post before about how to get the most out of your desktop and in it I mentioned keyboard shortcuts. So, I thought it would only be right if I made a list of a few that I use.
Let's start off with the most commonly used ones in the world
CTRL + C = Copy
CTRL + V = Paste
CTRL + X = Cut
I'm sure many of you know these by heart, but what you might not know, is that they work on the mac too, just substitute the command key in for CTRL.
Personally, I would say Paste would be the most important to memorize how to use, due to users being able to use it on a vast range of applications. Paste is the biggest life saver in computing history since the mouse. And although I'm aware that you need to copy before you can paste, there are many more applications where you can use the copy option than there are that you can use the paste and this shortcut can be a lifesaver in those situations.
Now that we have went over the basic copy and paste shortcuts, let's move on to something a little more complicated, and at times useful.
CTRL + A = Select All
This little key press can let you select all the text, and content in a field, or page. It can be very handy when copying files, and moving text.
Now that we have a good idea of the basic everyday shortcuts, let's move on to some of the more complicated ones. These are only really necessary when your system isn't working like it should. So hopefully you won't have to use them often, but if you ever do, then you will be glad you know them.
Here is the first one, I'm sure you have all seen or heard of it at some time.
CRTL + ALT + Delete
It was used in Windows XP to bring up task manager and in previous versions of Windows to force shutdown. Now, it is mainly used to bring up the account control center which lets you do all kinds of neat stuff like change your password, or log off the current user, and while it may be able to launch the task manger it is not as efficient as our next short cut.
CRTL + SHIFT + ESC
The shortcut to launch task manager matched my OSX with the Option + Shift + esc is a short cut to get to your best bet of stoping a program in it's tracks, by forcing the program or process to quit. It can save many a headache and prevent the you from suffering from the full effects of an attack on your system. Which while we're on the topic brings up one last short cut.
ALT + F4
Which does exactly what you would think the esc key would do, kill the window at hand. I know what your thinking, why would I ever need to know a short cut to kill a window, when there is a perfectly good red X in the coner of the screen I can hit? Let me introduce you to scam anti-virus and other fake windows.
It looks pretty legitimate doesn't it? Well so does that little X in the correr, but it's just another part of the fake window that will unleash the same furry as any other part of this popup. And thats why ALT + F4 is so handy. There is no hunt for the real window, you just push it, and the threat is gone, leaving you one step closer to living virus free!
