Speed Your Work with Control Keys

Before the mouse was invented, everyone used Control Keys to accomplish basic computer tasks like Copy and Paste. Now, most people "point and click" to do these commands.

However, the Control Keys are still around and, in many cases, you can use them to work more quickly than with a mouse. They are especially useful in Windows Explorer and when composing emails.

Viewing Control Keys

When you click on the Menu Bar (File, Edit, View, etc.) at the top of any Windows application, you get a list of options. An the right of some options is 'Ctrl + [a letter]'. For example, if you look at the File menu, you'll see 'Ctrl+O' to the right of the Open command.

Using Control Keys

Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard while pressing the letter after the plus (+) sign. (Even though the letter appears capitalized, you do not have to hold down the Shift key.) Control Keys work on a MAC as well as a PC, except, on a MAC, you press the "Apple" key rather than the Ctrl key.

Useful Control Keys

Ctrl+X  Cut a selected file or selected text

Ctrl+C  Copy a selected file or selected text

Ctrl+V  Paste cut or copied files or text

Ctrl+F  Find files or text

Challenge

What Control Keys are used for Printing, Saving, and creating a New File?

If you email the correct answers to First Choice/Your Choice, you will receive 10% off a One-on-One PC Coaching session. Be sure to include the words "Control Key Challenge" in the subject line.

First Choice/Your Choice packs tips like these into their computer training programs throughout the Chicago area. For timely assistance with individual questions, the Help, I'm Stuck application support program is available nationwide.

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