Now that we're deep into Lockdown 3.0 and home schooling is the norm, we realise all too well how infuriating computers can be - Internet access can be unreliable; the Wi-Fi keeps cutting out; running out of coal for a steam-powered laptop...
The last thing we need is to wrestle with software, trying to find that one command you need in the thousands of menu options (or that awful ribbon thing Microsoft introduced years ago).
Andrew Foster is a self-confessed computer geek and has been for over 30 years (and a web developer for 20 of those) so has consequently picked up a few time-saving tips along the way.
In an effort to make life easier for those who are getting used to working from home, or helping their kids with schoolwork, Andrew is keen to share some of the keyboard shortcuts he uses on a regular basis. These are fairly standard, and should work in most Windows programs.
These general shortcuts should work in most software – word processors, file managers, spreadsheets etc.
Take a look at the list of key combinations and their actions that Andrew has kindly put together for us...
Ctrl + A = Select all content
Ctrl + C = Copy selection to the clipboard
Ctrl + X = Cut selection to the clipboard
Ctrl + V = Paste content from the clipboard
Ctrl + Z = Undo the last action
Ctrl + Y = Redo an action
Alt + F4 = Close the active window/program
Alt + Tab = Switch between open applications
PrtScn = Send a screenshot to the clipboard
Windows Key + PrtScn = Save a screenshot in the Screenshots folder
Windows Key + Shift + S = Capture part of the screen to the clipboard
Windows Key + Left Arrow = Snap application to the left of the screen
Windows Key + Right Arrow = Snap application to the right of the screen
Home = Go to the start of the line
End = Go to the end of the line
Windows Key + . = Open the emoji panel
Windows Key + M = Minimise all windows
Windows Key + L = Lock the desktop
Windows Key + E = Open Windows File Explorer
Windows Key + R = Open the Run command
Windows Key + U = Open the Ease of Access settings
Windows Key + Tab = Open Task View