Learn Professional use of computer keyboard Keys, Shortcuts and Functions on Windows 7, 8 & 10

The computer keyboard is undoubtedly the tool we use most when we are in front of one. With it, we can type each of our searches, compose our documents and investigate the web on how many sites we can think of. However, the use we give can be too basic for the potential that this device is willing to offer us.

It is not necessary to think about wireless keyboards, with modern designs or special shades. The simple keyboard that each computer brings built-in, be it a laptop or a desktop, is a great ally when it comes to customizing the job and making our tasks easier. You only need to know how to use it.

For your keyboard to be professional, the first thing we should recommend is to know it. That is, familiarize you with its composition and structure.
As for composition, a keyboard conforms to a matrix structure that associates the keys with a numerical code that the computer software associates with the determined meaning. But in turn, these keys are divided into four fundamental groups :

1) Alphanumeric keyboard: Composed of letters of the alphabet, punctuation and accent marks, the space bar and the ten decimal digits.

2) Numeric Keypad: This consists of ten decimal digits and allows to perform the traditional mathematical functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also includes the “Num Lock” or “Num Lock” key to activate or deactivate the numeric keypad.

3) Function keys: They are the ones that are at the top of the alphanumeric section, and are identified with a letter F at the beginning. Each one serves to make a different computer shortcut, among them the Internet access, the reproduction of multimedia files and the opening of the help systems. Although their identification is always the same and goes from F1 to F12, the functions they fulfill may vary according to each manufacturer.

4) Control keys: The portion of the space they occupy on the keyboard is lower than the other controls, but their functionalities are superior. These include the Shift, Enter, Insert, Tab, etc. keys. Which is located between the numeric and alphanumeric keypad and serve to control the different programs by varying their functionality?

Once you understand and manage this structure, it will be easier for you to associate each key with functionality, and investigate each one to know what they can do. But also, you can start to combine these keys to use what are called “keyboard shortcuts.”

These shortcuts are used professionally in different tasks, as they allow to reduce the time of action of the worker and perform multiple tasks simply by pressing a few buttons. In general, those who handle more with the keyboard than with the mouse usually use these shortcuts every day for different functions, which may vary according to the profession. Computer scientists and designers are the ones who handle a greater number of commands, but there are shortcuts applicable to all professions and tasks.

Among the standardized shortcuts and applicable to different programs that are more common, we can highlight for example:

ALT + F4 Closes the active window.
F1 Opens a window with Help.
Ctrl + C Copies the selected item to the clipboard.
Ctrl + X Cuts the selected item.
Ctrl + V Paste, where the cursor is located, whatever is on the clipboard.
Ctrl + G This is the same as File – Save.
Ctrl + S Same as File – Save. (In English programs)
Ctrl + A Same as File – Open.
Ctrl + O Same as File – Open. (In English programs)
Ctrl + P Enter the print menu.
Ctrl + N Without selecting anything, new job starts.
Ctrl + Z Undo.
Ctrl + Y Redo.
Ctrl + E Selects all items on the screen.
Ctrl + B Find words.
Ctrl + F Find words. (In English programs)
F5 Updates the contents of a drive in the Open or Save window.
F10 Go to menu mode.
SHIFT + F10 Context menu of the selected item. Same as Context Menu key.
CTRL + ESC Displays the Start menu.
SHIFT + F10 Context menu.
ALT + TAB Allows you to jump nimbly from one program to another of those running.
SHIFT while inserting the CD.
Alt + M, when centered on the taskbar, Minimizes all windows.

Windows + Pause / Inter Accesses the System Properties.
Memorizing them all is obviously impossible. Each worker will remember those he uses most regularly, but the advantage is that these can be found more easily online. Also, in each program or software that you want to use you can access the help menu and consult the key combinations that produce certain actions within these programs, to know exactly what we can use and when.

Best of all, these shortcuts can also be created, making any combination of keys produce the actions that the user wants, which is not necessary to be limited to what the program makers think.

If you use a computer, we recommend you explore and manage all these functions, make friends with your keyboard and give it professional use so that your tasks are more simple and agile.