Save time with quick computer shortcuts.doc

Save time with quick computer shortcuts As a new mom, Rachel Brown is always looking for ways to save time. When I have the chance to sit down at my computer, I need to get at what Im working on as quickly as possible, says Brown, who uses her computer to keep in touch with family and friends. Brown discovered the power of shortcuts and keystrokes while she was still working. Before taking my maternity leave, I worked in a bilingual environment, she explains. I learned the keystrokes for the French accents that were essential in all of my correspondence. She also learned a few other time-saving tricks such as highlighting text, using the Bold function, and creating new documents. If youre looking to work more efficiently in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Internet Explorer, the key is using programmed shortcuts. Driving around your desktop To... Use this shortcut Select a file/folder/icon Type the first letter of the file. If you have several files starting with the same letter, continue hitting the letter key until your cursor lands on the file or folder you want. Search for a file/folder F3 Rename a file/folder Select the file/folder, click F2, and then re-type the name Find out when the file or folder was created, by whom, and how big it is Select the file, right-click, and then click Properties Display the Start menu Ctrl + Esc Create a shortcut on your desktop to your favorite file/folder Drag the file/folder icon to your desktop Scroll between open items Alt + Tab, then hold down Alt while clicking Tab to reach the desired file or program Working with Word To... Use this shortcut Select text Shift + Right Arrow, Left Arrow, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow to highlight text Copy selected text Ctrl + C Cut selected text Ctrl + X Paste selected text Ctrl + V Undo your last action Ctrl + Z Select all the text within your document Ctrl + A Bold text Ctrl + B Italicize text Ctrl + I Underline Ctrl + U Decrease font size Ctrl + Shift + Increase font size Ctrl