Introduction & Universal Shortcuts | Microsoft Word | Corel WordPerfect | Internet Explorer | Microsoft Excel
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Introduction:
There are a variety of menu systems within each computer program, which contain an even greater number of options and selections. You will most likely find that in using programs, you will select the same options multiple times. Keyboard shortcuts allow you to do this immediately without navigating confusing menus, providing you know what option you wish to use. Keyboard shortcuts consist of holding down one button on the keyboard (such as "Alt" or "Ctrl"), and pressing one (or sometimes two) more button at the same time, and releasing them.

Learning the shortcuts can save you time and clicks, since you can do things from the keyboard while typing without needing to move your fingers to the mouse!

The results listed alongside the keyboard shortcuts in this tutorial assume that you understand what that result is. The keys used in shortcuts include Alt, Ctrl, F(1, 2, 3). The "Alt" is short for "Alternate" key. It acts as a second "Control" key (see "Ctrl"). You always use the "Alt" in conjunction with another key. "Ctrl" is short for "Control", as in "control key combination." You also press this key while holding another to create the desired action. The set of F(1, 2, 3, etc.) keys along the top of the keyboard have different functions, depending on what program you are currently using. If you are not sure, either consult a tutorial on this site concerning the program you are working with, or the help file in the program, itself.

UNIVERSAL KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

These "universal" keyboard shortcuts will generally work in nearly every program you will work with. They are generic options such as saving, quitting, and manipulating text.

Most Commonly Used:
Ctrl + A = select all available text / images / etc.
Ctrl + X = cut selected text / image / etc.
Ctrl + C = copy selected text / image / etc.
Ctrl + V = paste copied or cut text / image / etc.

Often Used
Ctrl + S = save current document
Ctrl + O = open a document within the current program
Ctrl + W = close current window
Ctrl + N = create new document within the current program
Ctrl + P = print current document
Ctrl + Z = undo the previous action
Ctrl + Y = redo
Ctrl + F = find certain text in current document

Other Shortcuts:
F1 = help menu
Alt + Tab = switch back and forth between opened programs
Alt + F4 = quit current program
Ctrl + Alt + Delete = brings up the task manager; close non-responding programs; reboot

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