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CommonComputerTasks.pptxNavigating Windows:
Common Computer Tasks
Common Computer Tasks
Learning how to use a computer can feel overwhelming at times. Fortunately, there are some common computer skills that will work the same way in almost any situation. Once you learn how to use these skills, you'll be able to use them to perform a variety of tasks on your computer. In this lesson, we'll talk about some common commands you can use in almost any application, including cut, copy, paste, and undo.
The Menu Bar
Most applications have a Menu bar at the top of the window. Each menu has a set of commands that will perform a specific action within the program. While each application is different, there are some common commands that work the same way, no matter which application you're using. Whenever you open a program for the first time, try clicking these menus to see the various options available.
File Menu Commands
You'll find the File menu on the leftmost side of the Menu bar in almost every application. The File menu will usually have the same type of commands. For example, you can create a new file, open an existing file, and save the current file, among other functions.
Cut, Copy, and Paste
Many applications allow you to copy items from one place and then paste them to another. For example, if you're working with a word processor, you might copy and paste text to avoid typing the same thing over and over. If there's something you want to move from one place to another, you can cut and paste instead.
To copy and paste
Select the item you want to copy. In our example, we'll select a word in a document.
Right-click the mouse and select Copy from the menu that appears. You can also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
To copy and paste
3. Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then select Paste. You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
To copy and paste
4. The item will be copied to the new location. Notice how the original text that was copied has not been moved or changed.
To cut and paste
Select the item you want to cut. In our example, we'll select a paragraph of text in a document.
Right-click the mouse and select Cut from the menu that appears. You can also press Ctrl+X on your keyboard.
To cut and paste
3. Locate and right-click the desired location for the item, then select Paste. You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
To cut and paste
4. The item will be pasted, or moved, to the new location. In our example, we used the cut and paste commands to move the second paragraph above the first paragraph.
To copy and paste files
You can use the cut, copy, and paste commands for a variety of tasks on your computer. For example, if you wanted to create a duplicate copy of a file, you could copy it from one folder to another.
Right-click the file and select Copy from the menu that appears. You can also press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
To copy and paste files
2. Locate and right-click the new location, then select Paste. You can also press Ctrl+V on your keyboard. In our example, we'll paste the file to the desktop.
To copy and paste files
3. The duplicate file will appear. Notice how the original file has not been moved or changed. Also, note that if you make a change to the original file, it will not update any copies of that file.
To copy and paste files
4. The duplicate file will appear. Notice how the original file has not been moved or changed. Also, note that if you make a change to the original file, it will not update any copies of that file.
Undoing changes
Let's say you're working on a text document and accidentally delete some text. Fortunately, you won't have to retype everything you just deleted! Most applications allow you to undo your most recent action when you make a mistake like this. Just locate and select the Undo command, which is usually in the upper-left corner of the window near the Menu bar. You can also press Ctrl+Z on your keyboard. You can continuing using this command to undo multiple changes in a row.
!Note that the Undo command will work almost all of the time, but not in every situation. For example, if you empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete a file, you can't undo the action.
Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or a combination of keys you can press on your keyboard to perform a variety of tasks. Using keyboard shortcuts is often faster than using a mouse because you can keep both hands on the keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts are also universal, which means you can use many of the same shortcuts in a variety of applications. For example, you can use the shortcuts to copy and paste text in a word processor and in a web browser.
Using Shortcuts
Many keyboard shortcuts require you to press two or more keys in a specific order. For example, to perform the shortcut Ctrl+X, you would press and hold the Ctrl key, then press the X key, then release.
You'll use the Ctrl (Control) or Alt key to perform most keyboard shortcuts. You'll find these keys near the bottom-left corner of your keyboard.
Working with Text
These keyboard shortcuts are useful when working with text in word processors, email applications, and more. They can help you perform commonly repeated tasks, like copying and pasting text.
Ctrl+X: Cut the selected text.
Ctrl+C: Copy the selected text.
Ctrl+V: Paste the copied or cut text.
Ctrl+A: Select all of the text on the page or in the active window.
Ctrl+B: Bold the selected text.
Ctrl+I: Italicize the selected text.
Ctrl+U: Underline the selected text.
Working with Files and Applications
You can use keyboard shortcuts to open, close, and switch applications. When working with a file, like a Microsoft Word document, shortcuts can be used to create new files, find words, and print.
Ctrl+Alt+Delete: Force an unresponsive or frozen program to quit. This keyboard shortcut opens the Task Manager. You can then select the unresponsive application and close it. If you have an account on the computer, you can sign out with the same keys.
Working with Files and Applications
Delete: Send a selected file or files to the Recycle Bin.
Enter: Open a selected application or file.
Ctrl+N: Create a new file.
Ctrl+O: Open an existing file.
Ctrl+S: Save the current file.
Ctrl+Z: Undo the previous action. If you want to redo the action, press Ctrl+Y.
Windows key: Open the Start menu (or the Start screen in Windows 8).
Internet Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can also be used to navigate your web browser. Many of the text shortcuts above are also useful online, like the shortcuts for selecting, copying, and pasting text into your web browser's address bar. Note that some of these shortcuts may work a bit differently depending on the web browser you're using.
Ctrl+N: Open a new browser window.
Ctrl+T: Open a new browser tab.
Internet Shortcuts
Ctrl+D: Bookmark the current page.
Ctrl+B: View bookmarks.
Ctrl+J: View recently downloaded files.
Using the Alt key to Navigate Menus
When you press the Alt key, you will have access to all of the menus in the current application. This means you can perform almost any task with just your keyboard. For example, you can type Alt+F+X to quit an application. When performing these shortcuts, you will not need to hold down the Alt key.
Using the Alt key to Navigate Menus
When you press the Alt key, you will have access to all of the menus in the current application. This means you can perform almost any task with just your keyboard. For example, you can type Alt+F+X to quit an application. When performing these shortcuts, you will not need to hold down the Alt key.
Finding More Keyboard Shortcuts
In many applications, you'll find keyboard shortcuts next to menu items.
In some applications, you may need to hover over a button to display its keyboard shortcut.
