Keyboard Shortcuts

• Windows key - access Start menu
• Windows key + Pause - open System Properties
• Windows key + D - minimise/restore windows
• Windows key + F - open Search window
• Windows key + F1 - open Help and Support Center
• Windows key + E - open Windows Explorer window
• Windows key + M - minimise all windows
• Windows key + TAB - move through open windows on Taskbar
• Windows key + SHIFT + M - restore all windows
• Hold CTRL while dragging - make a copy of selected item
• Hold CTRL + SHIFT while dragging - make a shortcut to selected item
• CTRL + ESC - open Start menu
• CTRL + C - Copy
• CTRL + X - Cut
• CTRL + V - Paste
• CTRL + A - Select All
• CTRL + Z - Undo
• CTRL + B - Bold highlighted text
• CTRL + U - Underline highlighted text
• CTRL + I - Italicise highlighted text
• CTRL + Plus key - increase browser text size
• CTRL + Minus key - decrease browser text size
• CTRL + ALT + DELETE - open Task Manager
• ALT + underlined letters in menus - open menu item
• ALT + ENTER - show Properties of selected object
• ALT + F4 - close current window or program
• CTRL + F4 - close window within program
• ALT + TAB - switch between open windows or programs
• TAB - move forwards through control items or links in current window
• SHIFT + TAB - move backwards through control items or links
• ENTER - click selected control item or link
• BACKSPACE - move up one folder level
• HOME - go to start of current line or web page
• END - go to end of current line or web page
• CTRL + END - go to end of current document
• PAGE UP - move up through current document or web page
• PAGE DOWN - move down through current document or web page
• PRINT SCREEN - take snapshot image of current screen
• ALT + PRINT SCREEN - take snapshot image of current window
• F2 - rename selected item
• F5 - refresh current window or web page
• F6 - move through window panes

100 keyboard shortcuts

CTRL+C (Copy)

CTRL+X (Cut)

CTRL+V (Paste)

CTRL+Z (Undo)

DELETE (Delete)

SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)

CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)

CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)

F2 key (Rename the selected item)

CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)

CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)

CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)

CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)

CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)

SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the
desktop, or select text in a document)

CTRL+A (Select all)

F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)

ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)

ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)

ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)

ALT+SPACEBAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)

CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple
documents open simultaneously)

ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)

ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)

F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)

F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)

SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)

ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the System menu for the active window)

CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)

ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu)

Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding
command)

F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)

RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)

LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)

F5 key (Update the active window)

BACKSPACE (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)

ESC (Cancel the current task)

SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from
automatically playing)

Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts

CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)

CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)

TAB (Move forward through the options)

SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)

ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding
option)

ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)

SPACEBAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)

Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)

F1 key (Display Help)

F4 key (Display the items in the active list)

BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)

micro$oft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)

Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)

Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)

Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)

Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)

Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)

Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)

CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)

Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)

Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)

Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)

Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)

Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts

Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch FilterKeys either on or off)

Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)

Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the MouseKeys either on or off)

SHIFT five times (Switch the StickyKeys either on or off)

NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the ToggleKeys either on or off)

Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)

Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts

END (Display the bottom of the active window)

HOME (Display the top of the active window)

NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) (Display all of the subfolders that are under the selected
folder)

NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) (Display the contents of the selected folder)

NUM LOCK+Minus sign (-) (Collapse the selected folder)

LEFT ARROW (Collapse the current selection if it is expanded, or select the parent folder)

RIGHT ARROW (Display the current selection if it is collapsed, or select the first subfolder)

Shortcut Keys for Character Map

After you double-click a character on the grid of characters, you can move through the
grid by using the keyboard shortcuts:

RIGHT ARROW (Move to the right or to the beginning of the next line)

LEFT ARROW (Move to the left or to the end of the previous line)

UP ARROW (Move up one row)

DOWN ARROW (Move down one row)

PAGE UP (Move up one screen at a time)

PAGE DOWN (Move down one screen at a time)

HOME (Move to the beginning of the line)

END (Move to the end of the line)

CTRL+HOME (Move to the first character)

CTRL+END (Move to the last character)

SPACEBAR (Switch between Enlarged and Normal mode when a character is selected)

micro$oft Management Console (MMC) Main Window Keyboard Shortcuts

CTRL+O (Open a saved console)

CTRL+N (Open a new console)

CTRL+S (Save the open console)

CTRL+M (Add or remove a console item)

CTRL+W (Open a new window)

F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)

ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the MMC window menu)

ALT+F4 (Close the console)

ALT+A (Display the Action menu)

ALT+V (Display the View menu)

ALT+F (Display the File menu)

ALT+O (Display the Favorites menu)

MMC Console Window Keyboard Shortcuts

CTRL+P (Print the current page or active pane)

ALT+Minus sign (-) (Display the window menu for the active console window)

SHIFT+F10 (Display the Action shortcut menu for the selected item)

F1 key (Open the Help topic, if any, for the selected item)

F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)

CTRL+F10 (Maximize the active console window)

CTRL+F5 (Restore the active console window)

ALT+ENTER (Display the Properties dialog box, if any, for the selected item)

F2 key (Rename the selected item)

CTRL+F4 (Close the active console window. When a console has only one console
window, this shortcut closes the console)

Remote Desktop Connection Navigation

CTRL+ALT+END (Open the m*cro$oft Windows NT Security dialog box)

ALT+PAGE UP (Switch between programs from left to right)

ALT+PAGE DOWN (Switch between programs from right to left)

ALT+INSERT (Cycle through the programs in most recently used order)

ALT+HOME (Display the Start menu)

CTRL+ALT+BREAK (Switch the client computer between a window and a full screen)

ALT+DELETE (Display the Windows menu)

CTRL+ALT+Minus sign (-) (Place a snapshot of the active window in the client on the
Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)
CTRL+ALT+Plus sign (+) (Place a snapshot of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)
m*cro$oft Internet Explorer Navigation

CTRL+B (Open the Organize Favorites dialog box)
CTRL+E (Open the Search bar)
CTRL+F (Start the Find utility)
CTRL+H (Open the History bar)
CTRL+I (Open the Favorites bar)
CTRL+L (Open the Open dialog box)
CTRL+N (Start another instance of the browser with the same Web address)
CTRL+O (Open the Open dialog box, the same as CTRL+L)
CTRL+P (Open the Print dialog box)
CTRL+R (Update the current Web page)
CTRL+W (Close the current window)
-------------------------------------------------------------

Press Win+L to switch to the Welcome screen.
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Press Win+L to lock your workstation.
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You can switch users without going through the Welcome screen: From
Task Manager, go to the Users tab, right-click a user, and select
Connect.
-----
Hold down the shift key in the shutdown dialog to change "Stand By"
to "Hibernate". Or just press H to hibernate instantly. You can
even use the Power Control Panel to configure your power button to
hibernate.
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To disable the password when resuming from standby or hibernation,
open the Power Control Panel and uncheck "Prompt for password after
returning from standby" on the Advanced tab.
-----
You can rename multiple files all at once: Select a group of files,
right-click the first file, and select "Rename". Type in a name for
the first file, and the rest will follow.
-----
Hold down the shift key when switching to thumbnail view to hide the
file names. Do it again to bring them back.
-----
When dragging a file in Explorer, you can control the operation that
will be performed when you release the mouse button:

Hold the Control key to force a Copy.

Hold the Shift key to force a Move.

Hold the Alt key to force a Create Shortcut.
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If you create a file called Folder.jpg, that image will be used as
the thumbnail for the folder. What's more, that image will also be
used as the album art in Windows Media Player for all media files in
that folder.
-----
From the View Menu, select "Choose Details" to select which file
properties should be shown in the Explorer window. To sort by a file
property, check its name in the "Choose Details" in order to make
that property available in the "Arrange Icons by" menu.
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To display the volume control icon in the taskbar, go to the Sounds
and Audio Devices Control Panel and select "Place volume icon in the
taskbar".
-----
Hold down the shift key when deleting a file to delete it
immediately instead of placing it in the Recycle Bin. Files deleted
in this way cannot be restored.
-----
If you hold down the shift key while clicking "No" in a Confirm File
Operation dialog, the response will be interpreted as "No to All".
-----
To save a document with an extension other than the one a program
wants to use, enclose the entire name in quotation marks. For
example, if you run Notepad and save a file under the name

Dr.Z

it will actually be saved under the name Dr.Z.txt. But if you type

"Dr.Z"

then the document will be saved under the name Dr.Z. Note that a
document so-named cannot be opened via double-clicking since the
extension is no longer ".txt".
-----
Put a shortcut to your favorite editor in your Send To folder and it
will appear in your "Send To" menu. You can then right-click any
file and send it to your editor.
-----
Ctrl+Shift+Escape will launch Task Manager.
-----
To arrange two windows side-by-side, switch to the first window,
then hold the Control key while right-clicking the taskbar button of
the second window. Select "Tile Vertically".
-----
To close several windows at once, hold down the Control key while
clicking on the taskbar buttons of each window. Once you have
selected all the windows you want to close, right-click the last
button you selected and pick "Close Group".
-----
You can turn a folder into a desktop toolbar by dragging the icon of
the desired folder to the edge of the screen. You can then turn it
into a floating toolbar by dragging it from the edge of the screen
into the middle of the screen. (It helps if you minimize all
application windows first.)
-----
You can turn a folder into a taskbar toolbar.

First, unlock your taskbar.

Next, drag the icon of the desired folder to the space between the
taskbar buttons and the clock. (Wait for the no-entry cursor to
change to an arrow. It's a very tiny space; you will have to hunt
for it.)

You can rearrange and resize the taskbar toolbar you just created.

You can even turn the taskbar toolbar into a menu by resizing it
until only its name is visible.
-----
In the Address Bar, type "microsoft" and hit Ctrl+Enter. Internet
Explorer automatically inserts the " http://www." and ".com" for you.
-----
To remove an AutoComplete entry from a Web form, highlight the item
in the AutoComplete dropdown and press the Delete key.

To remove all Web form AutoComplete entries, go to the Internet
Explorer Tools menu, select Internet Options, Content, AutoComplete,
then press the "Clear Forms" button.
-----
To organize your Favorites in Explorer instead of using the Organize
Favorites dialog, hold the shift key while selecting "Organize
Favorites" from the Favorites menu of an Explorer window.
-----
You can organize your Favorites by dragging the items around your
Favorites menu.

Alternatively, you can open the Favorites pane and hold the Alt key
while pressing the up and down arrows to change the order of your
Favorites.
-----
To run Internet Explorer fullscreen, press F11. Do it again to
return to normal mode.
-----
If your "Printers and Faxes" folder is empty, you can hide
the "Printers and Faxes" icon when viewed from other computers by
stopping the Print Spooler service.
-----
To add or remove columns from Details mode, select Choose Details
from the View menu, or just right-click the column header bar.
-----
In Internet Explorer, hold the Shift key while turning the mouse
wheel to go forwards or backwards.
-----
In Internet Explorer, hold the Shift key while clicking on a link to
open the Web page in a new window.
-----
In Internet Explorer, type Ctrl+D to add the current page to your
Favorites.

This and many more keyboard shortcuts can be found by going to
Internet Explorer, clicking the Help menu, then selecting Contents
and Index. From the table of contents, open Accessibility and
click "Using Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts".
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In some applications (such as Internet Explorer), holding the
Control key while turning the mouse wheel will change the font size.
-----
To shut down via Remote Desktop, click the Start button, then type
Alt+F4.

14 Cool Computer Keyboards for Geeks

1. myKey0 Keyboard


You may have a limited desk space for your organizer or your computer keyboard, and it is many times difficult to keep all your things organized on your desk. The myKeyO can be a big help as this computer keyboard is also a productive organizer if you open it up. You can store all your CDs in the cases, desk accessories, and much more in the storage compartment located underneath the keyboard itself. Besides that, the myKeyO keyboard also features backlit keys, a scroll wheel, volume control, and an integrated palm rest area.

If you love this cool computer keyboard, you can buy it for $34.95 for a wired model and a wireless version for $49.95.

2. Glider Mouse Keyboard



It may be difficult for many of us to operate this computer mouse, which is attached to the bottom of a keyboard. Sporting a central mousing surface, left/right wrist pads, and a sure-to-be-misplaced ‘glider’ that bears a striking resemblance to an air hockey striker, this keyboard is definitely weird but good looking nonetheless

3. Customizable Keyboard



We have been trained to use the QWERTY keyboard for a while and most of us have lived with that without questioning the reasoning behind sticking with QWERTY keyboards, instead of simply trying out ACDIE keyboards.

Well, now there is a solution for those who don’t like the QWERTY keyboard layout and want their own version. This is a customizable computer keyboard which is called DX1 System. It used for gaming, software, photoshop, and preferences are fully customized for each button.

There is plenty of fun with the DX1 System, and you have to figure out your own way for a truly customized Keyboard. Get your own at ThinkGeek.com

4. DataHand Keyboard



This product is aimed for people who feel pain in their hands from typing with a traditional keyboard. Although it may help ease your pain, it still looks like a very strange keyboard many would be affraid to even put their hands on.

5. Orbitouch Keyboard



This keyboard could be a leftover from Area 51, or a prop from the set of any science fiction movie. Wonder how it works? Here’s what the manufacturer had to say: “The orbiTouch creates a keystroke when you slide the two domes into one of their eight respective positions. You type the different characters by sliding the domes to create letters and numbers. The orbiTouch also has an integrated mouse, so moving the domes gives you full mouse and keyboard capability!�

The target group for this keyboard is of course people who have limited or no motion in their fingers or hands. I can see that this one can aid many who may not even necessarily have difficulties, but its looks may be too odd for some.

6. Twiddler 2 Keyboard



The Twiddler2 is a pocket-sized mouse pointer plus a full-function keyboard in a single unit which fits neatly in either your right or left hand. The Twiddler2 plugs into PS/2 ports (USB port with the PS/2 to USB Adapter).

Combining major innovations in pointer and keyboard technology, the twiddler is a small computer keyboard designed to bring renewed enjoyment to current computer users and attract newcomersto the world of personal computing.

7. The FrogPad



The FrogPadâ„¢ mobile keypad with its innovative 20 full-size key layout is optimized around the most frequently used characters. It sets a new standard in information access with superior portability and ergonomics, global adaptability, rapid learning and ease of use. It’s unique patented keystroke algorithms enable it to be used in either right or left-hand mode and with any international language setting. You can find yours in Black or White.

8. Virtual Laser Keyboard



About the size of a small cellular phone (90 x 34 x 24 mm), the VKB enables users to type texts or e-mails as easily done with an ordinary keyboard. Imagine how easy it would be if you had a proper mobile phone, Mac Laptop, Smart Phone, Blackberry (even the new 8100, 8300, 8800), keyboard that fits right in your pocket…

As you set it at your preferred area, it shines the keyboard layout for you to have within reach. Your desk will then become your typing pad. ThinkGeek.com 14 CoolComputer Keyboards for Geeks have these in stock.

9. SafeType Ergonomics Keyboard



If you’re seeking an ergonomic keyboard that offers something more than the standard split keyboard, then the SafeType may be the correct fit. It’s comfortable and can also be an interesting challenge.

However, if you do not have a lot of patience, for learning to type in a new manner can be frustrating, then your best bet is to stay flat and stick with a keyboard that’s a little more “common”.

10. Maltron 3D Ergonomics Keyboard



The fully ergonomic Maltron 3D fits the shape of your hands and the different lengths of fingers to reduce movement and tension. Split design eliminates wrist twist and allows a central number cluster which can be used by either right or left hand preference. A modern version is available.

11. Wrist Keyboard



Completely sealed, this small computer keyboard can operate in the rain and other harsh environments. A curved back provides a secure and comfortable placement on the wrist, and the keyboard layout is optimized to provide alphanumeric entry. Furthermore, carefully positioned arrow keys grant easy access to menu-oriented tasks.

The Wrist PC keyboard comes with an optional wrist strap to provide the capability of attaching it to your wrist without it being misplaced.

12. Roll Up Keyboard



These keyboards feature 104 keys in a standard QWERTY layout, but with a nifty twist of being the most portable keyboard seen to date; simply roll the unit up when you’re done with it!

A great tool for laptop users who miss their full-sized Keyboard when on the road, or LAN party warriors looking to lighten their load. You can get yours for only $14.99.

13. ZX Spectrum



The ZX Spectrum is a home computer released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd. Originally dubbed the ZX81 Colour and ZX82, the machine was later renamed the ZX Spectrum by Sinclair to highlight the machine’s colour display, compared to the black-and-white of its predecessor, the Sinclair ZX81. It is affectionately known as the Speccy by some of its fans.

14. Bra Keyboard


Someone has invented a new innovative computer keyboard that you can actually wear! This bra keyboard has 85 keys and measures at 350mm wide and 135mm long. It has USB connection, so that you can plug-and-play the bra computer keyboard at all computers. Do you mind using this computer keyboard if a lady like in the picture is wearing it?

Cleaning Your Keyboard

When it comes to cleaning your keyboard there are many methods that can be used, some harder and more effective than others.

The easiest method is the Shake Method. It is so easy that you can do it right now. Pick up your keyboard, turn it over being careful not to press any keys, and shake it. See all of that stuff fall out? It is dirtier than you thought, isn't it? You can use one of the following methods to clean it further.

The Blow Method - You can buy cans of pressurized air at the computer department or computer store which are made especially for cleaning your computer. They usually have either a hose and nozzle or a tube extending from the nozzle. Hold the keyboard up vertically (that means that end of the keyboard is up and the other end is down), aim towards the keys and press the button. Keep blowing until all of the debris is blown out. Be sure to get around and in between all of the keys. This can be done with the computer on, but it is better if it is off so that you do not have to worry about pressing the keys and coming up with a page of aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa's.

The Vacuum Method - This is just like the Blow Method except that a vacuum is used instead of a can of pressurized air. It is quite simple. Just turn the vacuum on, pull out the hose, and run the nozzle over the keys. Before doing this make sure your keyboard does not have any loose pop off keys that could be sucked into the vacuum.

The Cotton Ball Method - This can be done in addition to the above methods and in lieu of the following methods. Take a cotton ball or cloth and wet it with rubbing alcohol. It should not be so wet that the alcohol runs down into the cracks of the keyboard. Wipe the tops and sides of the keys.

The Dishwasher Method - I hesitate to tell about this method because there is the possibility that it could fry your keyboard. When I had less experience with computers, I dunked my keyboard in a sink full of water to clean it. It did work afterwards, so I don't doubt those who say this method will not mess up your keyboard, but if it does, don't complain to me. I warned you. If your keyboard is not the standard membrane type of keyboard or if it is on a laptop, do not even think of trying this.

This is how you do it. Unplug the keyboard and place it face down in an empty dishwasher. Do not disassemble the keyboard and do not put it in a dishwasher that has dirty dishes in it. Some say to add soap, some say not to. Run the dishwasher through a regular cycle. Take the keyboard out, shake the water out, and stand it on end until it is completely dry (this may take several days). If it does not work after doing this, it may not be dry. Let it stand another week and try it again. If it still does not work, I warned you.


The Disassembly Method - This is the most thorough method, but it should not be done on laptop keyboards or non-standard non-membrane keyboards.

Turn off the computer and unplug the keyboard. Turn the keyboard upside down. You may want to get two books or short boards to place the keyboard on. Position them so that they hold up the keyboard on the edges when it is turned over. This should leave the keys dangling and not touching the books or the floor. This is especially needed when the keyboard's back is off; otherwise the keys will be lifted out of their position by the floor (or whatever surface it is laying on).

Get a screwdriver and remove all of the screws from the back of the keyboard. Lay the keyboard down on the books and carefully remove the back.

Take everything apart and clean thoroughly. It is better to take the keys out one at a time and clean them so that you do not put them back in the wrong place. Wipe each one down with a wet cloth and then with a dry cloth. Any keys that may be hard to put back in, can be cleaned in place without removing them. Wipe around the keys as they sit in place and blow any debris out with your lungs (using compressed air or a vacuum may upset the keys). If you are really brave, you can remove all of the keys at once and give the frame a good wipe down too. Do a once over and make sure that you have cleaned everything. Then reassemble it all.

Don't forget the keyboard's cable. Wrap a wet cloth around it and wipe it down. It may have an accumulation of grime that needs to be scrubbed off. Also if any of the letters on the keys have rubbed off, you can use a fine point permanent marker to draw the letter back on the key.

Keyboards are quite resilient and so it should work when you turn it on again. But if not, another attribute of keyboards is that they are cheap and so it won't cost too much to buy another one. With these pointers in mind and a quick reaction, you just may save your keyboard from total destruction the next time it gets coated with coffee.