Computer Tip #1: Undo

Have you ever accidentally deleted the wrong file or duplicated files while trying to select them with the mouse? Those types of mistakes can be extremely frustrating but there’s a really, really simple way to reverse them. This works in any version of Windows.

All you have to do is use the Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut /or/ use Edit->Undo on the menu bar.

This is especially handy when you are trying to select a bunch of files, and accidentally move the mouse and copy them into the same folder instead. Once you do that, just immediately use the Ctrl+Z shortcut and the files will be removed although you will get the regular delete confirmation dialog – this can be confusing, but since the accidentally copied file is now going to be removed permanently, it makes sense that you’ll have to accept the deletion.

Computer Tip #2: View Two Windows Easily

Hold down the Windows key and press the right arrow key.

Your current open window will shrink by half and position itself on the right hand side of your screen.

You can then select your next window or program, hold down the Windows key and press the left arrow to shrink it by half and place it on the left hand side.

This is especially handy when you only have one monitor and need to compare two documents side by side.

Computer Tip #3: Lock It

Hold down the “Windows” key and push the “L” key.

Your computer will now be locked.

This is especially handy when you need to rush out the office in a hurry and don’t want someone accessing your computer.

Remember to password protect your account to make this shortcut effective.

🙂

Computer Tip #4: Browser Shortcuts

Some nice web browser shortcut keys…

Ctrl+N – Open a new window
Ctrl+T – Open a new tab (if your browser supports tabs)
Ctrl+W – Close the current window/tab
Ctrl+R (or just F5) – Refresh page
Esc – Stop
PageUp – Move up a page
PageDown – Move down a page
Alt+Home – Go to your homepage
Alt+D – Move focus to the address bar to type in a URL

And one more that’s pretty cool:

Ctrl+Enter – Will add “http://www.” and “.com” around an address

For example: Open a website in a new window

Ctrl+N to open a new window
Alt+D to bring you to the address bar
Type the address without the “http://www.” or the “.com”
(for example, “microsoft” instead of “http://www.microsoft.com”
Press Ctrl+Enter to add in the “http://www.” and the “.com”

Computer tips courtesy of:

Clint Vorster
The Computer Guru (Knysna)
For Computer Support, Business & Residential
074 035 7185 / clint@thecomputerguru.co.za