Become a Windows Keyboard Shortcut Ninja! Learn and show off.

Become a Windows Keyboard Shortcut Ninja! Learn and show off.
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Windows system key combinations

• F1: Help
• CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu
• ALT+TAB: Switch between open programs
• ALT+F4: Quit program
• SHIFT+DELETE: Delete item permanently
• Windows Logo+L: Lock the computer (without using CTRL+ALT+DELETE)

Windows program key combinations

• CTRL+C: Copy
• CTRL+X: Cut
• CTRL+V: Paste
• CTRL+Z: Undo
• CTRL+B: Bold
• CTRL+U: Underline
• CTRL+I: Italic

Mouse click/keyboard modifier combinations for shell objects

• SHIFT+right click: Displays a shortcut menu containing alternative commands
• SHIFT+double click: Runs the alternate default command (the second item on the menu)
• ALT+double click: Displays properties
• SHIFT+DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

General keyboard-only commands

• F1: Starts Windows Help
• F10: Activates menu bar options
• SHIFT+F10 Opens a shortcut menu for the selected item (this is the same as right-clicking an object
• CTRL+ESC: Opens the Start menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
• CTRL+ESC or ESC: Selects the Start button (press TAB to select the taskbar, or press SHIFT+F10 for a context menu)
• CTRL+SHIFT+ESC: Opens Windows Task Manager
• ALT+DOWN ARROW: Opens a drop-down list box
• ALT+TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)
• SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature
• ALT+SPACE: Displays the main window's System menu (from the System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the window)
• ALT+- (ALT+hyphen): Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window's System menu (from the MDI child window's System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the child window)
• CTRL+TAB: Switch to the next child window of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) program
• ALT+underlined letter in menu: Opens the menu
• ALT+F4: Closes the current window
• CTRL+F4: Closes the current Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window
• ALT+F6: Switch between multiple windows in the same program (for example, when the Notepad Find dialog box is displayed, ALT+F6 switches between the Find dialog box and the main Notepad window)

Shell objects and general folder/Windows Explorer shortcuts

For a selected object:

• F2: Rename object
• F3: Find all files
• CTRL+X: Cut
• CTRL+C: Copy
• CTRL+V: Paste
• SHIFT+DELETE: Delete selection immediately, without moving the item to the Recycle Bin
• ALT+ENTER: Open the properties for the selected object

To copy a file

Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.

To create a shortcut

Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT while you drag a file to the desktop or a folder.

General folder/shortcut control

• F4: Selects the Go To A Different Folder box and moves down the entries in the box (if the toolbar is active in Windows Explorer)
• F5: Refreshes the current window.
• F6: Moves among panes in Windows Explorer
• CTRL+G: Opens the Go To Folder tool (in Windows 95 Windows Explorer only)
• CTRL+Z: Undo the last command
• CTRL+A: Select all the items in the current window
• BACKSPACE: Switch to the parent folder
• SHIFT+click+Close button: For folders, close the current folder plus all parent folders

Windows Explorer tree control

• Numeric Keypad *: Expands everything under the current selection
• Numeric Keypad +: Expands the current selection
• Numeric Keypad -: Collapses the current selection.
• RIGHT ARROW: Expands the current selection if it is not expanded, otherwise goes to the first child
• LEFT ARROW: Collapses the current selection if it is expanded, otherwise goes to the parent

Properties control

• CTRL+TAB/CTRL+SHIFT+TAB: Move through the property tabs

Accessibility shortcuts

• Press SHIFT five times: Toggles StickyKeys on and off
• Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for eight seconds: Toggles FilterKeys on and off
• Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for five seconds: Toggles ToggleKeys on and off
• Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK: Toggles MouseKeys on and off
• Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off

Microsoft Natural Keyboard keys

• Windows Logo: Start menu
• Windows Logo+R: Run dialog box
• Windows Logo+M: Minimize all
• SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all
• Windows Logo+F1: Help
• Windows Logo+E: Windows Explorer
• Windows Logo+F: Find files or folders
• Windows Logo+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop
• CTRL+Windows Logo+F: Find computer
• CTRL+Windows Logo+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
• Windows Logo+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
• Windows Logo+Break: System Properties dialog box
• Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item

Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType software installed

• Windows Logo+L: Log off Windows
• Windows Logo+P: Starts Print Manager
• Windows Logo+C: Opens Control Panel
• Windows Logo+V: Starts Clipboard
• Windows Logo+K: Opens Keyboard Properties dialog box
• Windows Logo+I: Opens Mouse Properties dialog box
• Windows Logo+A: Starts Accessibility Options (if installed)
• Windows Logo+SPACEBAR: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys
• Windows Logo+S: Toggles CAPS LOCK on and off

Dialog box keyboard commands

• TAB: Move to the next control in the dialog box
• SHIFT+TAB: Move to the previous control in the dialog box
• SPACEBAR: If the current control is a button, this clicks the button. If the current control is a check box, this toggles the check box. If the current control is an option, this selects the option.
• ENTER: Equivalent to clicking the selected button (the button with the outline)
• ESC: Equivalent to clicking the Cancel button
• ALT+underlined letter in dialog box item: Move to the corresponding item

Note This is a "FAST PUBLISH" article created directly from within the Microsoft support organization. The information contained herein is provided as-is in response to emerging issues. As a result of the speed in making it available, the materials may include typographical errors and may be revised at any time without notice. See Terms of Use (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=151500) for other considerations.

How to Make Your PC as Fast as the Day you Bought It

One of the most frustrating things in life is a slow computer.
Every few years, we buy an expensive new PC and love how fast it starts up, runs programs, and loads web sites.  Inevitably, though it starts to slow down, until eventually we are pulling our hair out waiting for it to do routine tasks.
Why is this? It turns out the answer is actually quite simple and you don't even need to be "technical" to understand the causes and solutions.
The good news, it's not the computer hardware that's the problem.  In most cases the hardware you have is perfectly capable of being restored to its original glory and kept in fast running condition with minimal effort.
Rather, the problem lies with changes that occur to the PC's software. The 2 most common causes of slowdown (along with easy solutions) are:
Registry errors  -  the most common problem
Every time you (or your kids) load a program, game or file, your PC's software registery is updated with new instructions needed to operate that item.  However, when the item is removed, these instructions usually remain on your PC.  Every time you run your computer it tries to execute these instructions but, because the related program can't be found, it causes a registry error.  Your PC is doing a lot more work than it should be and the result is a significantly slower computer.
One of the best ways to manage this is with a neat little tool from a Seattle based company called the Advanced Registry Optimizer 2010 (ARO for short).  This program scans, identifies and fixes registry errors - resulting in a computer that's a lot more like it was when you first bought it.  On top of the amazing results it offers, it's so easy to install and use that it was recently awarded a coveted 4.5 star rating (out of 5) by CNET's editorial staff.
You can now get a free working version of the software which will quickly scan your entire PC and identify all of the registry errors that may be bogging it down.  The free version eliminates the first 100 errors and if you have more errors that you want to clean-up or want to set the program to run on a regular basis (recommended) you can easily upgrade to the full version for just $29.95.  After that registry errors will no longer be a problem.
To get the free version simply click here.
Spyware and viruses
Spyware and viruses are software programs that are loaded on your computer without your knowledge or permission.  They have various purposes, including:

• Changing the default search engine in your browser
• Tracking your web surfing habits and showing you targeted advertising
• Using your email program to send out spam to other email addresses
• Stealing your personal information

Most spyware and viruses get onto our computers through files that we download from the internet or as attachments to emails.  They tend to take up a lot of computing power and as a result will significantly slow down the computer.
The simple rule of thumb to follow is to never download any free software programs from companies you do not know and trust, especially screensavers, emoticons and the like.  In addition, you should never open any attachment to an email unless you are 100% certain you know and trust the sender. In addition, make sure you have a good anti-virus / spyware removal software running at all times.
Follow the above advice and your PC should stay fast and safe.

Why My Pc Slow Down ?

Problem 1: Not enough RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is used as a temporary storage memory by your computer. This memory is in use when tasks are being executed by different programs. Hence, you should have enough RAM memory to process all the tasks at hand; if you don’t this might cause the major slow down of your computer while it is booting up or processing tasks.

How to know if your computer has enough RAM

The programs that are installed on your computer usually have RAM requirements that are asked. If your computer has been running at a normal speed before the installation of such programs and has crucially slowed down with time, you might need to add more RAM on your computer system.
Also, if your computer is slowing down every time you are processing large files, or it freezes while executing several programs at once, these might be some common signs that you need to add extra RAM.

Problem 2: Temporary files have built up on your hard disk

Some tasks might require you to leave the system working for several days and this might cause temporary files to build up on your hard disk. This might be a reason why your computer is slowing down and is taking some time to boot up as these type of files tend to be memory consuming.Cleansing your temporary files including your Internet history including cookies gives you a larger amount of hard disk space to work with.

How to delete Temporary Files

1. Open “My Computer” and select your local drive (it is usually labeled as :\C)
2. Select the “Windows” folder and locate the folder labeled “Temp”
3. Use your mouse to right-click on the folder (not the contents) and in the “View” options, choose “Details”
4. Select all the files that are older than the current date and press the delete key.
5. When done, go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop and choose “Empty Recycle Bin”
You can also choose to delete the Temporary Internet Files that have accumulated on your system
1. Go to your “Start” button and open “Control Panel”
2. Select “Internet Options” and in the section labeled “Temporary Internet Files” press “Delete Cookies” and “Delete Files” options.
3. You can also delete your history by clicking the option “Clear History”
4. When done, press “Apply” and “OK”
When you finish removing the Temporary Files, reboot your computer.

Problem 3: Your computer has been infected

If your computer has been infected by a virus, a malware, a worm or a Trojan, it might have cause the slow down of your computer system and even freeze several tasks at hand. Hence, you should run a virus scan and remove all the infected files found on your system.

Problem 4: Not enough space on the hard disk

Adding very bulky programs will automatically slow down your computer system. Hence, I will suggest users with a hard disk capacity of 2GB to leave at least 250MB free and those who have a higher hard disk storage capacity to leave at least 20% of the total capacity free. This will hence allow your computer to have enough room both for temporary files and file swapping.

Defragmenting your hard disk

You can also choose to defragment your hard disk to gather some dispersed spaces that can be used by the computer again.
1. Go to your “Start” menu and list all programs
2. In the “Accessories” option, select “System Tools”
3. Choose “Disk Defragmenter” from the list
4. To start the process, click the “Defragment” button.

Problem 5: Your Direct Memory Access (DMA) is disabled

The Direct Memory Access will allow data transmission between your hard drive and CD drive without requiring the microprocessor’s intervention. Those using Windows XP will not have this option set by default.
1. Click on the Start button and open “Control Panel”
2. Click and open the “System” icon
3. Select the “Hardware” tab and choose “Device Manager” option.
4. List the ATA/ATAPI options by clicking the + icon next to it.
5. Select the “Primary IDE Channel” option
6. In the “Primary IDE Properties” window select the “Advanced Settings” tab
7. Check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 0” enables DMA.
8. Also, check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 1” enables DMA.
9. Click “OK” to confirm the changes
10. Hence, click “Secondary IDE Channel”
11. In the “Secondary IDE Properties”, select the “Advanced Settings” tab
12. Check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 0” enables DMA.
13. Also, check whether the “Transfer Mode” for “Device 1” enables DMA
14. When done, click “OK” to confirm the changes

Update Your Operating System

Having the latest updates of Windows will not increase system performance. However patching up any security loop holes or performance related glitches may be beneficial. So in the long run, your system will be better off with the latest OS updates.