Shorcut Keys

Keyboard Shorcuts (Microsoft Windows)

1. CTRL+C (Copy)
2. CTRL+X (Cut)
3. CTRL+V (Paste)
4. CTRL+Z (Undo)
5. DELETE (Delete)
6. SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)
7. CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
8. CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
9. F2 key (Rename the selected item)
10. CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)
11. CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)
12. CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)
13. CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
14. 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)
15. CTRL+A (Select all)
16. F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
17. ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)
18. ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)
19. ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)
20. ALT+SPACEBAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
21. CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
22. ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)
23. ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)
24. F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
25. F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
26. SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
27. ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the System menu for the active window)
28. CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)
29. 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)
30. F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
31. RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)
32. LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)
33. F5 key (Update the active window)
34. BACKSPACE (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
35. ESC (Cancel the current task)
36. SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)

Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts

1. CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)
2. CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)
3. TAB (Move forward through the options)
4. SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)
5. ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option)
6. ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)
7. SPACEBAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)
8. Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)
9. F1 key (Display Help)
10. F4 key (Display the items in the active list)
11. BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)
2. Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)
3. Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)
4. Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)
5. Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)
6. Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)
7. Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)
8. CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)
9. Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)
10. Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)
11. Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)
12. Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)
13. Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts
14. Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch FilterKeys either on or off)
15. Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)
16. Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the MouseKeys either on or off)
17. SHIFT five times (Switch the StickyKeys either on or off)
18. NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the ToggleKeys either on or off)
19. Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)
20. Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
21. END (Display the bottom of the active window)
22. HOME (Display the top of the active window)
23. NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) (Display all of the subfolders that are under the selected folder)
24. NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) (Display the contents of the selected folder)
25. NUM LOCK+Minus sign (-) (Collapse the selected folder)
26. LEFT ARROW (Collapse the current selection if it is expanded, or select the parent folder)
27. RIGHT ARROW (Display the current selection if it is collapsed, or select the first subfolder)

Shortcut Keys for Character Map
After you double-click a character on the grid of characters, you can move through the grid by using the keyboard shortcuts:

1. RIGHT ARROW (Move to the right or to the beginning of the next line)
2. LEFT ARROW (Move to the left or to the end of the previous line)
3. UP ARROW (Move up one row)
4. DOWN ARROW (Move down one row)
5. PAGE UP (Move up one screen at a time)
6. PAGE DOWN (Move down one screen at a time)
7. HOME (Move to the beginning of the line)
8. END (Move to the end of the line)
9. CTRL+HOME (Move to the first character)
10. CTRL+END (Move to the last character)
11. SPACEBAR (Switch between Enlarged and Normal mode when a character is selected)

Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
Main Window Keyboard Shortcuts

1. CTRL+O (Open a saved console)
2. CTRL+N (Open a new console)
3. CTRL+S (Save the open console)
4. CTRL+M (Add or remove a console item)
5. CTRL+W (Open a new window)
6. F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
7. ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the MMC window menu)
8. ALT+F4 (Close the console)
9. ALT+A (Display the Action menu)
10. ALT+V (Display the View menu)
11. ALT+F (Display the File menu)
12. ALT+O (Display the Favorites menu)

MMC Console Window Keyboard Shortcuts

1. CTRL+P (Print the current page or active pane)
2. ALT+Minus sign (-) (Display the window menu for the active console window)
3. SHIFT+F10 (Display the Action shortcut menu for the selected item)
4. F1 key (Open the Help topic, if any, for the selected item)
5. F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
6. CTRL+F10 (Maximize the active console window)
7. CTRL+F5 (Restore the active console window)
8. ALT+ENTER (Display the Properties dialog box, if any, for the selected item)
9. F2 key (Rename the selected item)
10. CTRL+F4 (Close the active console window. When a console has only one console window, this shortcut closes the console)

Remote Desktop Connection Navigation

1. CTRL+ALT+END (Open the Microsoft Windows NT Security dialog box)
2. ALT+PAGE UP (Switch between programs from left to right)
3. ALT+PAGE DOWN (Switch between programs from right to left)
4. ALT+INSERT (Cycle through the programs in most recently used order)
5. ALT+HOME (Display the Start menu)
6. CTRL+ALT+BREAK (Switch the client computer between a window and a full screen)
7. ALT+DELETE (Display the Windows menu)
8. CTRL+ALT+Minus sign (-) (Place a snapshot of the active window in the client on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)
9. CTRL+ALT+Plus sign (+) (Place a snapshot of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)

Microsoft Internet Explorer Navigation

1. CTRL+B (Open the Organize Favorites dialog box)
2. CTRL+E (Open the Search bar)
3. CTRL+F (Start the Find utility)
4. CTRL+H (Open the History bar)
5. CTRL+I (Open the Favorites bar)
6. CTRL+L (Open the Open dialog box)
7. CTRL+N (Start another instance of the browser with the same Web address)
8. CTRL+O (Open the Open dialog box, the same as CTRL+L)
9. CTRL+P (Open the Print dialog box)
10. CTRL+R (Update the current Web page)
11. CTRL+W (Close the current window)

Systems Tools for Basic Maintenance

What are Systems Tools?

Do some basic maintenance from time to time to keep Windows XP running smoothly. Luckily, Windows XP provides you with some basic tools to make the maintenance process as painless as possible. You can access these tools via the System Tools menu.

To open the System Tools menu:

• Choose Start All ProgramsAccessoriesSystem Tools.
• A cascading System Tools menu opens.

 

Disk Defragmenter

All Windows XP computers have at least one hard disk. The hard disk acts as your computer's storage area. Almost everything installed on your computer - applications, files, folders, and operating system - is stored here.
With general use, (creating new files, deleting files, installing new software, etc) your hard disk can become fragmented. This means that parts of the same disk file become scattered over different areas of the disk. A fragmented hard disk slows down your computer and hinders its performance.
To keep your hard disk running smoothly, you must routinely defragment or "defrag" the hard disk. The Disk Defragmenter tool can help you do this.

To use Disk Defragmenter:

• Choose StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesSystem ToolsDisk Defragmenter.
• The Disk Defragmenter opens.

Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is another tool that helps keep Windows XP operating as it should. It inspects your hard disk and looks for files that can be safely deleted. Deleting unnecessary files frees up valuable disk space.

To run Disk Cleanup:

• Choose StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesSystem ToolsDisk Cleanup.
• The Disk Cleanup window opens. Click the Disk Cleanup tab if it's not showing.
• Disk Cleanup lists several potential files that can be deleted and the amount of disk space you'll gain by emptying each one.
• To learn more about a file category, click it and click the View Files button. A description appears.
• Click the checkboxes next to the categories you want to delete and click OK.
• A dialog box appears, stating, "Are you are sure you want to perform these actions?" Click Yes or No as appropriate.

User Accounts

Understanding User Accounts

A user is someone who uses a computer. A user account defines what a user can do using Windows XP. In Windows XP, there are three types of user accounts.

1. Administrator account. The administrator can do everything with the computer and can go anything he or she desires - essentially giving them control over the entire computer, including other accounts. The administrator account can never be disabled or deleted.
   
2. Standard account. Users with standard accounts can install programs and hardware, change pictures and related personal data, and create, change, or remove his or her password.
   
3. Guest account. The guest account doesn't require a password, can't add or remove programs from the computer, and is disabled by default. This account type is great for kids or students. 

Managing User Accounts

To easily manage user accounts, click the User Accounts icon in the Control Panel.

The User Accounts window presents you with an easy-to-use interface.

 

Creating a New Account

You can create new user accounts as needed, giving others access to your computer (without sharing your password).

To create a new account:

• Click Create a New Account in the User Accounts window.
• A User Accounts window appears. Enter the name of the new account and click Next.
• The next window asks you to pick an account type. Choose Computer Administrator or Limited by clicking the appropriate radio button.
• If you're not sure, click each one and read the list of actions that can be performed by the account type.
• When finished, click the Create Account button.
• The new account now appears in the User Account window.

Changing An Account

Any account can be easily edited or changed from the User Accounts window.

To change an existing user account:

• Click Change an Account in the User Accounts window.
• A window appears asking you which account you want to change.
• The next window (figure below) allows you to change the name on the account, change the picture, change the account type, create a password, or delete the account. Make necessary changes.
• Use the Back button to return to the original list to make any additional changes.

 

Changing User Log on/Log off Procedures

You can also select the way users log on and log off.

To change log on and log off options:

• Click Change the way users log on and off in the User Accounts window.
• You'll see two checkboxes that allow you to enable the Welcome screen and Fast User Switching. Fast User Switching allows you to switch to another user account without closing any programs.

Files, Folders, and Drives

What is a File?

Files are collections of information. In fact, almost all of the information stored in a computer is stored in a file. There are many different types of files, including operating system files, program files, and your own files.
Different types of files store different types of information. Each file is given a filename and has a three-letter filename extension that identifies the file type. (The filename and filename extension are separated by a period.) For example, a document created using WordPad might have the file name, letter to John.doc.

Some common file name extensions are:

• doc: Word or WordPad document
• txt: Notepad text file
• eml: Email file
• xls: Excel spreadsheet
• htm or html: HTML file (web page)
• ppt : PowerPoint presentation
• mbd: Access database

Creating, Renaming, and Deleting Files

With Windows XP, you can create a file using different programs such as WordPad or Notepad.

To create a file using Notepad:

• Click Start.
• Choose All ProgramsAccessoriesNotepad.
• Notepad opens.
• Type, "This is my new document."
• Choose FileSave from the menu bar (Ctrl + S).
• The Save As dialog box appears.
• Save your file to the desktop.
• Name your document new document.
• In the Save as type drop down box, be sure your document is saved as a text document.
• Click Save. Your file is now saved to the desktop.

Once you've created a file, you can rename it.

To rename a file:

• Locate your file (in this case, the file is located on the desktop).
• Right-click the file icon.
• Choose Rename.
• The filename is highlighted in blue, ready to be retyped.
• Type a new name and press Enter.
• The file is renamed.

You can also delete files.

To delete a file:

• Locate your file (in this case, the file is located on the desktop).
• Right-click the file icon.
• Choose Delete.
• A Confirm File Delete dialog box appears asking you if you are sure you want to send the file to the Recycle Bin.
• Choose Yes.
• The file is moved to the Recycle Bin.

What is a Folder?

When you first start using Windows XP, you may only create a few files. Over time, you'll create MANY files. To keep your files organized, create folders. Windows XP uses various folders to store and manage files. To become more familiar with the structure of a Windows XP folder, let's open a folder called My Documents.

To open and view the contents of the My Documents folder:

• Double-click the My Documents icon on the desktop.
• The My Documents folder opens.

OR

• Right-click the My Documents icon (on the desktop).
• Choose Open.

OR

• Open the Start menu and choose My Documents.

What is a Drive?

A drive, or disk drive, is hardware on which you can store files and folders. Disk drives are assigned a letter.

• Your hard drive (the drive inside your computer) is known as the (C:) drive.
  
• Your floppy disk drive is known as the (A:) drive.
  
• If your computer has a CD ROM drive, it is usually called (D:)

Choose where you'll save your files during the Save As process. Most computer users store their files on the (C:) drive. Learn more about Save As in our Office 2000 course.

Adding Shortcuts

What is a Shortcut?

A shortcut offers a way of doing a task more quickly such as starting a program or accessing a document. The shortcut icon has a small arrow in the left corner to help you distinguish it from the actual icon that represents programs and files.

The icon above is a desktop shortcut for the Things to Do document that's actually stored in this particular user's My Documents folder.
When you delete a shortcut, the original item still exists on your computer in its original location.

Adding a Shortcut

In this lesson, you will learn three ways to create a shortcut. Choose the one that works best for you.

To add a shortcut to the desktop using Windows Explorer or My Computer:

• Open Windows Explorer or My Computer.
• Double-click a drive or folder.
• Click the file, program, or folder for which you want to make a shortcut. The item darkens when you select it.
• Choose FileCreate Shortcut.
• Resize the window so you can see the desktop.

• Hover the mouse pointer over the shortcut icon and hold down the left mouse button and drag the shortcut onto desktop (in the left pane).
• Release the left mouse button and a shortcut is moved to the desktop.

Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift while dragging the file to the desktop to create a shortcut.

Right-click to Add a Shortcut

One shortcut creation method works in both My Computer and Windows Explorer. This method requires you to right-click.

To add a shortcut by right-clicking:

• Open Windows Explorer or My Computer.
• Double-click a drive or folder.
• Right-click the file, program, or folder for which you want to make a shortcut.
• A pop-up menu appears. Choose Create Shortcut.
• Resize the window so you can see the desktop.

• Hover the mouse pointer over the shortcut icon and hold down the left mouse button and drag the shortcut onto desktop (in the left pane).
• Release the left mouse button and a shortcut is moved to the desktop.

Customizing Windows XP Using the Control Panel

ntroduction to the Control Panel

You don't have to be a computer genius to use Windows XP, but if you know something about how to set up some basic features and functions, it will do a lot more for you. Windows XP makes this easier than ever with the Control Panel. The Control Panel features a number of tools that will help you control how Windows XP features look and act. But first you must learn how to access the Control Panel.

To access the Control Panel:

• Click Start.
• Click Control Panel.
• The Control Panel opens.

OR

• Type Control Panel in the Address dialog box found on any Windows XP window.

OR

• Many folders feature a link to the Control Panel in the See Also dialog box (only in XP view).

No matter how you get to the Control Panel, it will look like this upon first viewing:

 

To switch to Classic View:

• Click the Classic View link on the left side of your Control Panel.
• Click the Switch to Category View link to switch back.

Use the menubar and toolbar buttons to navigate and further explore Control Panel options.

Changing the Wallpaper

Wallpaper is the background image that appears on your desktop. Windows XP offers many wallpaper choices.

To change the wallpaper:

• Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
• Under Pick a Category, click Appearance and Themes.
• Under Pick a Task, click Change the desktop background.
• The Display Properties dialog box opens with the Desktop tab selected.
• In the Background box, click or use the arrow keys to view the choices.
• Use the drop down boxes to alter wallpaper position or color.
• Click OK to close the dialog box.

Advanced Users:

• Click Browse to choose a picture from the My Pictures folder (or navigate to a picture located in another folder.)
• Click the Customize Desktop button to alter your desktop icons or display a web page on your desktop.

Customizing the Taskbar

You already know about the Taskbar, but did you know you can customize its appearance?

To customize the Start menu:

• Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
• Under Pick a Category, click Appearance and Themes.
• Under Pick a Control Panel icon, click Taskbar and Start Menu.
• The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box opens with the Taskbar tab displayed.
• Use the checkboxes to customize its appearance and click OK.

Click the Start Menu tab to switch between the XP Start menu and Classic Start menu. Classic Start menu is the Start menu featured in older versions of Windows.

Moving and Sizing Windows

Minimizing, Maximizing, and Restoring Windows

Windows allows you to easily enlarge, hide, or shrink a window using the Minimize, Maximize, and Restore buttons.
The Minimize button is among the three buttons at the right end of the title bar. This button has a small dash (or minus sign). The Minimize button shrinks the window and places it on the taskbar while leaving the program running.
The Maximize button, which looks like a small window, is used to enlarge a window to cover the entire desktop.

After a window is maximized, the Maximize button changes to the Restore button. It looks like two windows near one another. If you click the Restore button, the maximized window shrinks to its previous size (the size it was before you maximized it).

Sizing Windows

Sizing window is slightly different from minimizing, restoring, or maximizing. Note: You cannot size a window if it's been maximized.

To change the size of a window:

• Hover the mouse pointer over any corner of the window. (You can also place the pointer over the borders of the window.)
• The mouse pointer changes into a double-headed arrow.
• Clickand hold down the left mouse button.
• Drag the arrow out or in to make the window larger or smaller.
• Release the mouse button when the window is the size you want.

Make sure the mouse pointer change into a two-headed arrow before you try to size the window.

Moving a Window Using the Title Bar

Sometimes a window may obscure an item you want to click on or view.

To move a window:

• Place the mouse pointer over the title bar (at the top of the window).
• Click and hold down the left mouse button. (You cannot move a window that has been maximized other than to use the Minimize button.)
• Drag the window to the place where you want it and release the mouse button.

Internet Explorer from the Start Menu

Internet, another choice on the Start menu, opens Internet Explorer; the web browser that comes bundled with Windows XP.

To launch Internet Explorer from the Start menu:

• Click Start.
• Choose Internet.
• Click to open Internet Explorer.
• To close a program, click the located at the top right of the window.

Note: You must be connected to the Internet for Internet Explorer to open a web page.

Start Menu

When you click the Start button, the Start menu appears. The Start menu is your gateway to the applications that are on your computer. The left side of the Start menu lists programs, and the right side allows access to common Windows folders (My Documents, for example). It also provides access to Help and Support, Search, and Run.

If you select All Programs, a pop-up menu appears. Pop-up menus like this are called cascading menus. If a cascading menu is available, a small black triangle appears next to the name of the application or function.
In the example below, the Word program has been selected.

To explore the Start menu:

• Click the Start button.
• Move the mouse pointer to each option, and view the various cascading menus.
• Click (or roll your mouse pointer over) All Programs.
• Move the mouse pointer to the right and view other cascading menus.
• To exit the menus, click outside the menu area or press Esc on your keyboard.

The Start menu remembers items you've recently opened and places the icon on the Start menu so you can easily open it next time you open the Start menu. For example, if you recently opened Microsoft Word using StartAll ProgramsMicrosoft Word, the next time you open the Start menu, simply click the Word icon on the left side of the Start menu.

Understanding Icons

The small pictures on the desktop are called icons. One type of icon is an object icon. Examples of object icons are My Computer, Recycle Bin, and Internet Explorer. These icons allow you to open files and programs on your computer.

Shortcut icons allow you to open an application quickly. These icons appear on your desktop and with little arrow in the left corner. Desktop shortcuts are links to files and programs. You can add or delete shortcuts without affecting the programs on your computer. You'll learn about creating shortcuts in a later lesson.

To open a program using an icon:

• Place your mouse over the icon.
• Text appears identifying its name or contents.
• Then, double-click the icon. 

Log off and Switch Users

More than one person may use your computer. For example, many family members may use the same computer at home while several coworkers may be able to access your computer on a computer network. Windows XP allows everyone who uses your computer to have separate computer accounts. A computer accounts tracks each person's unique settings, documents, and email accounts.
Windows XP even enables you to log off the computer so someone else can log on without having to restart the computer.

To log off/switch users:

• Click the Start menu and click Log Off.
• A dialog box appears asking you if you want to Switch User or Log Off.
• Switch User allows someone else to log on to the computer. If you choose to Switch User, your applications will continue to run in the background while the new user logs on.
• If you choose Log Off, your applications will close.
• In any case, you're taken to a Windows XP logon screen where you're prompted to enter your username and password.

 

Turn Off and Restart the Computer

When you've finished using Windows XP, be sure to turn off (or shut down) the computer correctly.

To turn off the computer:

• Click the Start menu.
• Click Turn Off Computer.
• A dialog box opens. Click Turn Off.

If you're experiencing computer problems or have installed something new, you can simply restart your computer.

To restart the computer:

• Click the Start menu.
• Click Turn Off Computer.
• A dialog box opens. Click Restart.

Always turn off or restart your computer using this method. Do not turn off your computer by switching the power off and on. If you do so, you may damage Windows XP.

Challenge!

• View the Start button, taskbar and icons on the Windows XP desktop.
• Click the Start button and view the cascading menus.
• Practice logging off and switching between users.
• Shut down your computer properly.