Tech hack: Important computer shortcuts every computer owner should know

Keyboard and computer shortcuts are designed to make computer use quicker and easier. Unfortunately, an average computer user/owner does not know this.

By using simple keyboard and computer shortcuts in the workplace, you can increase your productivity and cut back on the strain caused by repetitive motions.

Find below tips to maximise the use of your computer:

1.Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts work on the websites and applications you use every day online. Remember, if you are on a Mac, the CTRL button is substituted with the Command button on your computer. CTRL+A (select all), CTRL+C (copy), CTRL+X (cut), CTRL+V (paste), CTRL+Z (undo), CTRL+Y (Redo), CTRL+B (bold), CTRL+U (underline), CTRL+I (Italicize), CTRL+SHIFT+DEL (Delete Permanently). Click here for info.

2. Take a screenshot

To take a screenshot on a computer, press Window key+PrtSc (Print Screen button) to take a photo of the entire screen and will save it to a Screenshot folder within your pictures folder or the desktop background. On a Mac, CMD+Shift+3 takes a photo of the entire screen.

3. Minimise tabs

To get back to your desktop from an open page, simply press the Windows key+D. This will minimize everything you have up, which will save you some time when you don’t have to press the minimize button for each window. Conversely, you can also press Windows key+D again to bring everything back. For Mac users press the Ctrl+Shift, then the up arrow key.

4. Moving through blocks of text

To move through blocks of text, hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the arrow keys. This will move the cursor one word at a time through text instead of one character at a time. If you want to highlight one word at a time, hold down Ctrl+Shift, then press the left or right arrow key.

5. Search text

Pressing Ctrl+F opens a find field window, which allows you to search for text on the current page. For example, if you press Ctrl+F and search for the word ‘Mac’ it will display each time the word Mac is mentioned on the page. On a Mac, use Cmd+F to find.