Keyboard shortcuts are a quick and easy way to navigate and perform tasks on a computer. Windows and Mac computers have their own unique set of keyboard shortcuts that are designed to make using the computer more efficient.
Using keyboard shortcuts can significantly increase productivity by allowing users to perform tasks quickly and efficiently. They can also save time by eliminating the need to navigate menus or use a mouse. Additionally, they may be helpful for people with mobility impairments who find mice or trackpads challenging to use.
We'll start with an essential skill every computer master should know.
Table of Contents
1. Use Magnifier Zoom on Windows PC or MAC.
"Do you want to be a TV detective who can find anything in any image, no matter how small? You can do that on your computer by using the zoom feature. On Windows PC, press the (Windows key + "+" or "-" minus Key) to open the magnifier app and "zoom in" or "zoom out" where your cursor is pointing. On a Mac, use the combination of (ALT + Command + "+" or "-" minus key) to zoom. However, please note that this feature is not intended for catching criminals from small reflections in an earring or similar."
2. Open file explorer with Shortcut.
"You don't always need all your apps open to work efficiently. Some are built-in programs that you can easily access. For example, on a PC, press (Windows key + E) to open the file manager window. On a Mac, this is the Finder app."
3. Use the windows Game Bar on Windows PC and MAC.
A game is a great way to relax after a long day at work. And sometimes, you might should those special moments like a thrilling boss fight or a hilarious exchange with your friends. You can easily do that on your PC using the Game Bar feature. Press (Windows key + G) to bring it up at any time and set up recording manually. Additionally, you can use the hotkeys (Windows key + Alt + R) to start and stop recording and (Windows key + Alt + B) to start streaming. On a Mac, you can use the built-in feature by pressing (shift + command + 5) to record the screen using the QuickTime player."
4. Talk with Cortana or Siri Using Shortcut.
Modern computers come with built-in personal assistants like Siri and Cortana, which can help you with tasks, research, organization, and even conversation. You can easily access them using keyboard shortcuts. To activate Cortana on Windows in listening mode, press (Windows key + C), and to summon Siri on Mac OS, hold (Command + Space) together.
5. Lock down your PC with a Shortcut.
To quickly lock your user profile on a shared computer, you can use the shortcut key (Windows key + L) on a Windows PC or (Shift + Command + Q) on a Mac. Before using this shortcut, make sure you have set up a password for your profile to prevent others from accessing it while you're away. Keep in mind, Remember your password to unlock your profile when you return.
6. Use the action center Feature.
You can access various functions, such as setting up Bluetooth connections, turning on and off notifications, and using your PC as a Wi-Fi hotspot in the Action Center on newer versions of Windows. To open it, press (Windows key + A). On a Mac, the Notification Center is always easily accessible in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
7. Access the Windows Settings Using Shortcut.
If you need to access more advanced settings on your PC, you can use the (Windows key + I) to open the settings and make any necessary adjustments.
8. Switch Apps With Shortcuts in Windows PC or MAC.
There are several keyboard shortcuts to effectively switch between and manage apps on your desktop. On a Windows PC, you can see what apps are currently running by pressing (CTRL + ALT + TAB). On a Mac, it's simpler and just requires (CTRL + TAB). An alternative way to open the task view on a Windows PC is by pressing (Windows Key + TAB), which is equivalent to Mac's Mission Control and provides a more comprehensive view of open windows and available desktops. Lastly, for quick program switching without displaying them, use the keyboard shortcut (Alt + TAB) on Windows or (Command + TAB) on Mac. This is useful if you typically work with only a few windows at a time.
9. Program management and troubleshooting Shortcuts.
"If you're dealing with a program that won't process anything, try using the following key combination to avoid restarting your device and losing your progress: (CTRL + Shift + ESC) for Windows or (Command + OPTION + ESC) for MAC. This will open the task manager, allowing you to force quit any malfunctioning app or stop any that aren't responding. This way, you'll only lose data from the faulty program instead of all of them."
10. Create a virtual desktop using Windows and MAC.
Opening new tabs can disrupt your workflow when switching to a new task during a busy work or research session. Instead, create a clean, new desktop by using the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key + CTRL + D) or (Control + UP) on a Mac. This will allow you to quickly switch to a new environment and continue your work without interruption.
11. Take screenshots on Windows PC and MAC using Shortcut.
"You can easily take screenshots on your computer by using keyboard shortcuts. You can take a screenshot on a PC by pressing (Windows key + PrintScreen) and saving it in the image folder. On a Mac, you may take a screenshot of the entire screen by pressing (Command + shift + 3), or you can select a particular window or area by pressing (Command + shift + 4)."
12. Switch between virtual desktops on Windows PC or MAC.
Don't worry. Your previous work is only gone for a while. It's simply hidden when you switch to a new desktop using the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key + CTRL + D) or (Control + UP) on a Mac. To access your previous desktop, use the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key + CTRL) or (Control key) on a Mac, and then use the left and right arrow keys to switch between your virtual desktops. Once you've finished the second task and no longer need the new desktop, you can close it using the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key + CTRL + F4) or close any open desktop spaces on a Mac by clicking the X sign over them.
13. Return to the desktop from apps Using Shortcuts.
If you have multiple apps open and need to access one that is hidden behind them on your desktop, instead of minimizing them one by one, use the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key + M) to minimize them all at once. You can also take a quick glance at your desktop by using the shortcut (Windows Key + Comma ",") or (Command + F3) on a Mac. This is a helpful trick for those who work with information from desktop widgets or for a quick break to look at your soothing desktop wallpaper, like fluffy kittens or green fields.
14. Split Screen Between Two Apps Shortcut.
Want to improve your multitasking? Try this out. Open one app you need for your work and press the (Windows Key + Left Arrow). Then open another app and press the (Windows Key + Right Arrow). This will allow you to have both windows open on the screen simultaneously, allowing you to quickly reference sources while working on your academic project.
15. Open an App from the Desktop Taskbar.
To increase productivity, consider keeping your most frequently used apps on your taskbar. This will allow you to quickly access them using the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key + Number Key "1 to 9"). The number corresponds to the app's position on the taskbar, from left to right. This shortcut is available only on Windows, and unfortunately, there's no similar hotkey for Mac, but Mac users can still navigate through their apps efficiently using other means.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, keyboard shortcuts are an essential tool for any computer user. They can significantly increase productivity and efficiency and are an easy way to navigate and perform tasks on a computer. Windows and Mac computers have their own unique set of keyboard shortcuts that are designed to make using the computer more efficient. Learning and utilizing these shortcuts can significantly benefit any user.
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