Lesson: Using the Computer without the Mouse

Purpose: To save you time and in case your mouse stops working.

Modifier keys - Windows Key, Control (Ctrl), Alt, Shift


Note: Modifier key + key = Push and hold modifier key and then press the desired key.
Ex. Ctrl+A = Hold the Ctrl key and push A.

Operating System Shortcuts

The task bar tells you what programs are open.

Alt+Tab

Holding down the "Alt" key and pressing tab allows you to switch between programs.

Alt+F4

When a program is selected, holding down "Alt" and pressing F4 closes the current program.


When no programs are open, Alt+F4 opens the dialog box to shut down Windows.

Window Key

Pressing this once is the same as clicking the "Start" button (Ctrl+ESC does the same)

Window Key + M

Holding the Windows Key and pressing "M" minimizes all programs

Alt

When any program is open pressing the "Alt" key allows you to navigate the menus with your arrow keys. You can then select command with the letter that is underlined. In this picture, if I wanted to select "Print", I would push "p" on my keyboard.

Program Specific Shortcuts

Almost every program lists the shortcut keys in the menus beside the command.

There are often a lot more and you can find them usually by going to the help menu of the program you are in and typing "shortcut."

Ctrl+A

Selects everything

Ctrl+X

Cuts the text

Ctrl+C

Copies the text

Ctrl+V

Pastes the text