For Spring 2010 Students, the TOR is due March 1st.
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- This section explains how using keyboard shortcuts will speed up your productivity and help you avoid wrist pain.
What is a keyboard shortcut?
A keyboard shortcut, also known as a hotkey, is a key or a combination of keys that performs a function. For example, in most applications pressing "Control + S" will save your file. Keyboard shortcuts are useful because performing some functions using the mouse--such as saving a file--can take a lot of time. To save a file using the mouse, you have to remove one hand from the keyboard, find the mouse, move the pointer to the menu, open it, select "Save", then move your hand back to the keyboard. Using "Control + S" reduces all of this to just pressing two keys simultaneously. Using keyboard shortcuts also lower the risk of repetitive stress injuries by minimizing the need to use the mouse.
Saving Time
So how much time does this save? Imagine that you could save two seconds by using a keyboard shortcut instead of the mouse, and imagine that you use one keyboard shortcut every two minutes. If you spend three hours every weekday at the computer, that means you'll save almost four hours a semester. During the course of your Simmons career that's at least 16 more hours to work, study, watch TV or sleep in.
Of course, for a keyboard shortcut to really be faster than the mouse you have to memorize it. While most applications offer lots of keyboard shortcuts, it's usually more hassle than it's worth to memorize more than a handful. The best shortcuts to remember are for functions that you use a lot, like basic file commands (Save, Open, Print, Quit) and editing commands (Copy, Cut, Paste). These shortcuts are usually the same no matter what application you're using. Keep in mind that some functions must still be performed using the mouse, but many do not. Experiment! Just remember, the <Ctrl> key (on PCs) and <Command> key (on Macs) are on both sides of the keyboard, so you don't have to reach across your body to use them.
| Common Key Commands | PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| New | Ctrl + N | Command + N |
| Open | Ctrl + O | Command + O |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Command + S |
| Ctrl + P | Command + P | |
| Exit (or Quit) | Alt + F4 | Command + Q |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
| Select All | Ctrl + A | Command + A |
| Find | Ctrl + F | Command + F |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
Links to webpages with more keyboard shortcuts
