Keys Bloomington

We do a ton of typing, (or at least our processors do). So when I came across this list of keyboard shortcuts I automatically thought it would be a great thing to share with you. These have saved me a ton of time. At first I hesitated to use them, but I started with one, then another, then another. Enjoy!

General Keyboard Shortcuts

CTRL+C (Copy)

CTRL+X (Cut)

CTRL+V (Paste)

CTRL+Z (Undo)

DELETE (Delete)

SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)

CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)

CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)

F2 key (Rename the selected item)

CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)

CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)

CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)

CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)

CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)

SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document)

CTRL+A (Select all)

F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)

ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)

ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)

ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)

ALT+SPACEBAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)

CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)

ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)

ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)

F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)

F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)

SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)

ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the System menu for the active window)

CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)

ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu)

Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)

F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)

RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)

LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)

F5 key (Update the active window)

BACKSPACE (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)

ESC (Cancel the current task)

SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)

Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts

CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)

CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)

TAB (Move forward through the options)

SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)

ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option)

ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)

SPACEBAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)

Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)

F1 key (Display Help)

F4 key (Display the items in the active list)

BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)

Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)

Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)

Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)

Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)

Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)

Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)

CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)

Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)

Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)

Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)

Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)

Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts

Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch FilterKeys either on or off)

Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)

Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the MouseKeys either on or off)

SHIFT five times (Switch the StickyKeys either on or off)

NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the ToggleKeys either on or off)

Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)

Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts

END (Display the bottom of the active window)

HOME (Display the top of the active window)

NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) (Display all of the subfolders that are under the selected folder)

NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) (Display the contents of the selected folder)

NUM LOCK+Minus sign (-) (Collapse the selected folder)

LEFT ARROW (Collapse the current selection if it is expanded, or select the parent folder)

RIGHT ARROW (Display the current selection if it is collapsed, or select the first subfolder)

These days, it has turned a necessity for us people to spend a lot of time in front of the computer. With this, typing has become less of an uncommon hobby, and more of a necessary skill. It’s never too early nor too late to learn how to type. And this is because typing has turned into much less of a repetitive routine. Typing games have been created to develop your speed in writing. But learning to type can somehow be difficult.

If children tend to fumble with their ABCs, so can adults fumble with their keyboards, thus making typing software indispensable.

In choosing the typing software to purchase, you should consider the student’s age and orientation. There are several typing games as there keys on the QWERTY keyboard. For young children, there are games that feature cartoon characters and superheroes. For older teens, there are more advanced games.

Guide The Kids

When your kids are using one of these typing games, guide them correctly – simply pounding on the keyboard is not the way to develop your typing skills. (When your kids get used to this type of typing, then you’d be wasting your money for the long term.) You will want your kids to learn the correct way of typing, which he or she can learn through a typing game.

Pique The Adult’s Interest

Adults with zero typing skills can jump-start their interest in typing with typing games – these are specifically designed to entertain and to educate at the same time. There are programs that integrate games and drills. There is no denying that typing is basically a rote skill. The only way to enhance one’s skills in typing and master it is through constant repetition. Gratefully, the typing programs available can be suited to your skill level. It is easy to master your current level and move on to the next level when you’re already comfortable.

In this day and age when the fingers are the ones doing the talking, it’s become imperative for anyone to have some amount of typing skills. Whatever profession you want to pursue, typing skills are necessary. With current crop of typing software available, everyone (from grandson to grandpa) will want to learn typing. They will forget that actually they are trying to acquire, otherwise, this is rote and boring skill.

Typing Skills Defined

There are different typing skills levels – there are the beginners and there are the speed typists. It doesn’t matter what typing level you are in, typing software programs can really help you.

Are these typing softwares unfavorable when used at home or in the classroom? Answer: it’s not what you’ve got, but how you use it. Don’t pound the keys or just simply strike them. It’s simple to study typing if you practice the software properly.

In today’s world, there is a lot of advantage for knowing how to type. Whatever career path you choose, knowing how to type is considered an asset.

“No day in your working life will be so bad if you follow the right ergonomic techniques.”

Usually, an employee working at the desk has a habit of working for longer hours without following proper ergonomic techniques. In order to avoid stress throughout the day and work with maximum alertness, you need to follow some ergonomic techniques.

Ergonomic techniques are very important to ease the stress and work with maximum alertness. When you spend maximum amount of time in front of your desk, you should be aware of how the arrangement and design of your equipment can impact your health, comfort and overall productivity.

These tips are highly effective for modern workers.

1. Create a great computer work space!

In designing your office work space, it is essential to think creatively and innovatively. Employees with longer limbs experience a greater risk with congested work space, so ensure that the space is large enough.

Provide proper place for the equipment and the things that are essential to make your dream workstation.

2. Right way to organize the desk or workstation!

Standard desk sizes are not suitable for everyone’s needs, so choose the desk that is right for you. If the desk is for a group of people, then prefer adjustable furniture.

• Organize the desktop to access the things easily without any strain.

• Place frequently used objects at a closer distance to avoid excessive extensions.

• Accommodate the place below the desk suitable to your legs at correct height and the place should be free for stretching.

• Use a foot rest if your feet don’t rest flat on the floor after adjusting your chair height.

• Use matte finish on the work surface to minimize the glare or reflections.

• Use a document holder, if you need to refer documents during keying.

3. Make suitable chair adjustments!

Begin your work with correct chair height. To arrange the chair in an ergonomic position, just stand in front of the chair and adjust the chair height to your knee length.

Adjust the chair’s backrest in order to support your lower back. Then tighten the chair’s backrest, so that it does not give away with your body weight.

Throughout the working day, re-adjust the chair to your various body postures. Don’t stay in a single static position for long hours. Alternate your posture between sitting and standing positions when you are performing daily tasks. Take small breaks and walk for few minutes.

4. Maintain accurate ergonomic monitor distance!

You need to sit in an awkward position if the monitor is too close or too far to your eyes. Finally this can lead to an improper ergonomic posture thus causing eye strain. Forward leaning can fatigue the eyes and put stress on the torso because there is no support for your back.

Follow the below tips to reduce the eye strain:

• Clean monitor surface.

• Attain optimum comfort by adjusting the contrast and brightness.

• Maintain right distance from the monitor to the user i.e. 18-30 inches.

• Place the monitor at an angle of 90 degrees to the windows.

5. Seek right ergonomic keyboard!

Do you spend most of your work time in typing? Using the keyboard and placing it can greatly affect the risk of getting RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Follow these techniques in order to reduce the risk of these injuries:

• First make suitable chair adjustments, then place your hands comfortably at your sides. Your forearm should be at an angle of 90 degrees with your upper arm.

• Place the keyboard in such a manner so that your arms should be parallel to your thighs.

• If needed, place a keyboard tray to achieve right ergonomic posture.

• Follow right typing techniques.

• Set the keyboard at a closer distance from you to avoid unnecessary trouble in reaching the keyboard.

• Gently press the keys and don’t hold them down for extended periods.

6. Exercise at your desk!

Desk exercises offer relief to computer users from pain, stiffness and posture problems. Computer work at office involves maintaining same posture for long periods resulting in muscle stiffness and tension.

Practice simple stretching exercises which can be performed at the desk. Stretching exercises improves flexibility and decreases the risk of injury, physical stress and improves performance.

7. Light your working area!

Improper lighting can cause visual discomforts like burning eyes, eye strain, itching, and blurred vision. So, adjust the lights to reduce the glare and also position your monitor at an angle to reduce the reflection.

Reduce the eye fatigue by following the below tips:

• Avoid intense lighting in your working area.

• Monitor should be at an angle of 90 degrees to the windows.

• Use desk lamps, instead of overhead lights.

• Use monitor shield to reduce the glare due to overhead lights.

8. Know the right usage of input device!

Whatever might be the input device you use, make sure that it must be within your reach and don’t hold it too tightly so that there is less stress on the muscles. If you are not feeling good with your mouse, try an alternate one like trackball or touch pad.

Placing the input device too close or too far can cause discomfort in your forearm, shoulder, elbow and wrist.

Follow these tips to overcome from these discomforts:

• Place the mouse at your comfortable reach for natural relaxation and comfortable eye-hand coordination.

• Avoid bending wrist upward and ensure that you are sitting lower than your elbow height so that holding the mouse can be easier for you.

• Make sure the mouse surface is stable.

9. Give priority to the work habits!

Working at the desk can cause discomfort on your upper extremities and on your eyes. So, to avoid these discomforts, you need to learn some work habits.

• Take frequent breaks for every 20-40 minutes, get up and walk around for 2-3 minutes.

• Don’t stay in one static position for longer hours, change the posture periodically.

• Provide your eyes with vision breaks for every hour.

• Stretch your neck, back, and hands for every hour.

• Substitute the mouse usage by using alternative keystrokes.

Follow these work habits, so that you won’t experience any stress on any part of your body.

10. Identify Proper usage of laptop computers!

Work on a laptop computer only when it is on the table but not on your lap. If you need to use it very frequently, it is better to use separate mouse and keyboard to reduce the stress on your hands and wrists.

Techniques you need to follow while using laptop computer:

• While typing, place your hands straight so that your wrists should not bend and should not be resting on your lap, table, or on a palm rest. Use palm or wrist rests to give support in the break.

• If the table you are using is too high for keying, then use a laptop holder by tilting the laptop towards you.

11. Know how to use the phone at your desk!

Avoid placing the phone receiver between your shoulder and neck as it can cause strain on your neck muscles. Use a headset or put the call on speakerphone to reduce the stress on neck muscles.

You can notice an amazing improvement in your work related discomforts and also in the quality of your work after following these techniques. Visit Office Ergonomics