[Shortcuts Cont. from page 1]
Here are some of the more common shortcuts for most windows based applications:

Ctrl + x will cut selected items. Ctrl + v will paste the last item that was cut, or copied into the cursor location. Ctrl + z will undo the last action that was performed (cut, copy, paste, delete, move, etc.). These shortcuts are not solely for editing text, they also work within explorer, for cutting, copying, and pasting icons and files.

Ctrl + f in most applications will execute the find command within the current window (holding the Windows key between Ctrl and Alt, and then hitting f will launch the windows find command, for finding files, people or text within documents across directories and hard drives).

Other applications have there own shortcuts that are usually specific to that program. Internet Explorer contains a few, of which many can speed up your internet browsing experience. After typing a name into the address bar, you can hold down Ctrl as you press the Enter key.
Ex. Type google into the address bar, then hold Ctrl as you press Enter, and http://www. will be added to the front of google, and .com will be added [shortcuts continued from page 4]
to the end to enter http://www.google.com into the address bar.

Pressing the F5 key will refresh the current page. F6 will let you type in an address without moving your mouse up to the address bar. F11 will make the current web page full screen (minimal buttons on the top); press F11 again to return to the regular view.

Windows also has a few shortcuts that are part of the operating system itself, so they will work regardless of which application is currently being used. Alt + Tab will switch between all currently running windows/applications (including minimized windows). Alt + F4 will close the current window/application. The Windows, or Start key
( ), is used in conjunction with other keys to execute a few useful commands.

This only scratches the surface of all shortcuts out there; refer to the manual for a particular application for more shortcuts. Also, many applications will list shortcuts for commands right next to the command in the dropdown menu. Happy shortcutting! [next article]