A primer on keyboard shortcuts

October 24, 2008
by Joe Karlin

Whether you use Windows or Mac, a desktop or notebook, iTunes or isoHunt, in the computer realm there often several ways to do things.  Keyboard shortcuts are an alternate and arguably faster method to complete some functions.

Sometimes you discover a keyboard shortcut accidentally.  One of our NewCastleNOW.org editors was very pleased to have recently stumbled upon the “Find and Replace” feature found in text editing programs like Microsoft Word or Notepad. Ctrl + H enables the writer to replace a recurring word or set of words throughout a document with one simple “Ctrl + H.” 

Below is a starter list of everyday keyboard shortcuts. In Windows, press and hold down “Ctrl” (bottom left of the keyboard) while adding a letter, lower or upper case doesn’t matter. In Mac OS, the key with a cloverleaf-like icon, “Command” operates the same as “Ctrl” in Windows. Search “keyboard shortcuts” for a comprehensive list of combinations, some of which are specific to your operating system or program. For example, in the popular web browser Mozilla Firefox, Ctrl + T opens a new tab. More on tabbed browsing next week.

Common shortcuts

Ctrl + C = Copy
Ctrl + V = Paste
Ctrl + X = Cut
Ctrl + Z = Undo
Ctrl + F = Find
Ctrl + A = Select All

Greeley graduate Joe Karlin is a freelance computer consultant with .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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