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17 Simple Keystrokes Every PC User Needs

New computer users often feel as if they spend more time learning new software than using it. And that’s true when they must start from scratch to learn every new keystroke for every new software application they acquire. Advanced users realize that’s not always necessary. There are a number of cross-platform shortcuts, those that can be used throughout the majority of Windows programs, that will speed up your computing tasks and enhance your ability to learn new software. Memorizing these few keystrokes will help you transfer your skills from program to program and will make all your computing easier and more enjoyable. These simple skills will transform you into an advanced computer user quicker than you can print this article.

TASK	KEYSTROKE	ACTION
New	Ctrl-N	Opens a new document (as in Microsoft Word) or a new window (as in Microsoft Explorer)
Open	Ctrl-O	Opens an existing document
Close Document	Ctrl-W	Closes an open document or window; does NOT close the program
Close Program	Alt-F4	Closes the active program (the one on which the cursor rests); if no programs are open, shutdowns Windows
Save	Ctrl-S	Saves the active document
Select All	Ctrl-A	Selects all text in the active document or window
Print	Ctrl-P	Prints the active document or contents of the active window
Undo	Ctrl-Z	Undoes the last action performed (as in typing, deleting, etc.)
Redo	Ctrl-Y	Redoes the last action performed (as in typing, deleting, pasting, etc.)
Search	Ctrl-F	Searches for a word or phrase in the active document or window
Copy	Ctrl-C	Copies the highlighted text, graphic, etc.
Paste	Ctrl-V	Pastes the text, graphic, etc. that was last copied (i.e., that is "on the clipboard")
Help	F1	Displays help (if available) on the active program, task, or window
Move Between Paragraphs	Ctrl-Up Arrow or Ctrl-Down Arrow	Quickly moves the cursor from one paragraph to another
Move within a Table	Tab or Shift-Tab	Moves forward or backward, respectively, within table cells
Move to Top or Bottom of a Document / Window	Ctrl-Page Up or Ctrl-Page Down	Moves cursor to the top or bottom of the active document or window
Refresh	F5	Refreshes the screen, document or window so that the most current data is visible

There are other shortcuts available in most Windows programs. To learn them, go to Help (F1) and look for “shortcuts.” You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll become a power user by learning and applying these keystroke tips.

Heather Quarnstrom is a writer and creative designer with decades on online experience and the owner of Bishop's Corner, an online/catalog shop offering hundreds of quality gifts, home decor items, toys, housewares, furniture and more with nearly 1,000 products under $20. Visit her online store today at http://BishopsTN.com.

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