Computer keyboard shortcut keys

Shortcut keys ABCs

Shortcut keys help provide an easier and usually quicker method of navigating and using computer softwareprograms. Shortcut keys are commonly accessed by using the Alt (on IBM compatible computers), command key(on Apple computers), Ctrl, and/or Shift in conjunction with a single letter. The de facto standard for listing a shortcut is listing the modifier key, a plus symbol, and the single character. Or in other words, "ALT+S" is telling you to press the Alt key and while continuing to hold the Alt key, press the S key to perform the shortcut.
In addition to the shortcuts listed on this page, users can find the shortcut keys to their most popular program by looking for underlined letters in their menus. For example, in the picture to the right you'll can notice that the "F" in File has been underlined. You will then know that you can press the Alt key and F to access the File menu (Note: Some programs require the user press and hold ALT to see the underlined characters). Finally, as can also be seen some of the common features such as Open (Ctrl+O) and Save (Ctrl+S) have shortcut keys assigned to them.
As you begin to work with shortcut keys you will notice that several applications share the same shortcut keys. We have listed many of these keys in our basic PC shortcut keys section.
Note: Users outside the United States or users using a foreign copy of a Microsoft Windows or Microsoft application may not be able to get all the below shortcut keys to perform the function listed below.

Basic PC shortcut keys

The below basic shortcut keys are a listing of shortcut keys that will work with almost all IBM compatible computers and software programs. It is highly recommended that all users keep a good reference of the below short cut keys and/or try to memorize the below keys. Doing so will dramatically increase your productivity.

Shortcut Keys	Description
Alt + F	File menu options in current program.
Alt + E	Edit options in current program
F1	Universal Help in almost every Windows program.
Ctrl + A	Select all text.
Ctrl + X	Cut selected item.
Shift + Del	Cut selected item.
Ctrl + C	Copy selected item.
Ctrl + Ins	Copy selected item
Ctrl + V	Paste
Shift + Ins	Paste
Home	Goes to beginning of current line.
Ctrl + Home	Goes to beginning of document.
End	Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl + End	Goes to end of document.
Shift + Home	Highlights from current position to beginning of line.
Shift + End	Highlights from current position to end of line.
Ctrl + Left arrow	Moves one word to the left at a time.
Ctrl + Right arrow	Moves one word to the right at a time.

Microsoft's Next Operating System Getting Drafted

Less than a year into the launch of Windows 7, and a few months in the making for its first service pack update, Microsoft has already taken large strides into outlining the key areas the company's next consumer operating system would focus on. Aimed to be released within the year 2012 time-frame (when Windows 7 will have become 3 years and 2 service packs old), Microsoft's next operating system is referred to as "Windows 8" (tada). The company had recently released to its industry partners a set of presentations, all covering different departments of the product's development, to outline the ideas in store for the developers. These confidential presentations were leaked to the public domain.

Among these presentations, some of the most interesting ones give us an insight on what interfacing with the PC will be like in a few years from now. To begin with, the average PC is poised to get a few mandatory updates to its hardware capabilities (just as how having a sound controller became mandatory for consumer PCs through the late 1990s). The PC will have a few sensors, cameras and accelerometers that will serve dual-purpose of user authentication and utility (use by software).

  

Devices such as infrared proximity sensors, accelerometers, ambient-light and web-cameras will let PCs detect its user nearby, verify the user's identity by face-recognition, and load-up (or unlock) the user's account on the PC. Later, the user can just walk away from the PC, and it will standby, hibernate, shut-down, or simply lock the PC and turn-off the display, to save power.

The operating system will be even more cloud-oriented, letting users access their profiles from any other cloud-enabled PC or device. Another major development would be the adoption of a major software and content delivery platform along the lines of Apple Store or Valve Steam, where users will be able to buy content and proprietary software. For now the medium is referred to as the "Windows Store". The same service will also handle software updates and the product service. These and more will form the key changes that are relevant to the consumer in Microsoft's next OS. Once the brainstorming is complete, Redmond will sit down to develop, test, fix, and release the operating system.

How to Fix “The print spooler service is not running” Error

You get the following error when you try to install a Printer in Windows.


Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not running.


1. Press Window key + R to open the Run dialog Start and type services.msc and clickOK.
2. Double-click the Printer Spooler service, and then change the startup type toAutomatic. This sets the Spooler service to start automatically when you restart the computer. Click OK.3. Restart the computer and try to install the printer again.
If that doesn’t work, the problem could be related to corrupted printer drivers that are installed on the computer. Try uninstalling all printer software from the computer and start from scratch. This may include PDF writer or faxing software as well. Anything listed in the Control Panel under Printers & Faxes I would do away with. If there is any software installed for other printers in Add/Remove Programs I would uninstall it all. Clean out everything possible that might be hanging the Printer Spooler service. Obtain updated software from your printer manufacturers and reinstall only the items you need.

How to Fix Blue Screen Error

Blue screen crash will display all of your pending and an error screen that suddenly come to light that informs you that your screen is frozen. In addition, some errors DLL will also appear and ask if you recently added any new hardware or programs on your computer.

When this incident occurs, they have gone mad, especially if you have not saved or finish something you're working. Of course, you have to do your job again from the beginning. You would be really upset and angry, no? So what can you do to fix blue screen error like this?

The easiest and fastest way to solve this problem is to run a registry cleaner software. And if you've decided to let a technician fix your computer for you, stop there, you do not want to pay for something you can fix yourself, right?

Also, if you want to ask about any technician may be able to resolve the accident, which will undoubtedly tell you that it is a very complex matter and therefore should be treated by a professional like him. If the technician is not to say there will be no business left for him.

But in reality, what is going to do is just run a registry cleaner in the drive and then asks for the payment of reparations and the software used. Furthermore, unloading, installation and repair of the blue screen error using a software is not very difficult to do and that saves time and, well, why would you pay someone else just to make something simple for you?

Here are some things you can do to fix and solve your blue screen crash. This is especially useful if you're not familiar with the technical team and just want quick and simple solutions.

1. Restart your computer

Sometimes the blue screen comes out only once and then not again for a second time. In this case, a simple restart is just what you need to resolve the blue screen crash.
On the other hand, if the problem is more regular, you may have to deal with other things.

2. Replace your random access memory (RAM)

RAM is a hardware that is permanently installed inside the computer's motherboard. It is a rectangular piece that holds the information. This is where the CPU gets the instructions. And once this equipment is not functioning normally, without doubt, the computer crash in the blue screen. And so, the replacement of the RAM can be a solution.

3. Run a registry cleaner

A registry cleaner can eliminate errors in your record. This record stores all information about the software, drivers, applications and games that are installed on your computer. And in time, it can get bad, because some obsolete entries are not deleted and can lead to what they call the "blue screen of death."

Fix Blue Screen of Death Error is easy to do with registry cleaner. If you Scan Your Computer it will detect all the errors in your registry and safely remove them.

How To Access the BIOS Setup Utility

   
Time Required: Accessing the BIOS setup utility for your computer usually takes less than 5 minutes

Here's How:

1.        Turn on your PC or restart it if it's already on.

2.        Watch for a "entering setup" message in the first few seconds after turning on your computer. This message varies greatly from computer to computer and also includes the key or keys you need to press to enter BIOS.

Here are some common ways you might see this BIOS access message:

·         Press [key] to enter setup

·         Setup: [key]

·         Enter BIOS by pressing [key]

·         Press [key] to enter BIOS setup

·         Press [key] to access BIOS

·         Press [key] to access system configuration

3.        Quickly press the key or keys instructed by the previous message to get into BIOS.

Note: You may need to press the BIOS access key several times to enter BIOS. Don't hold the key down or press it too many times or your system may error or lock up. If that happens, just restart and try again.

BIOS Setup Utility Access Keys for Popular Computer Systems

Acer - Aspire, Power, Veriton, Extensa, Ferrari, TravelMate, Altos

·         Press Del or F2 immediately after powering on.

·         The BIOS on the Acer Altos 600 server uses theCtrl+Alt+Esc key and the F1 key for advanced options.

·         Older Acer computers may use also use the F1 orCtrl+Alt+Esc keys to access BIOS.

Compaq - Presario, Prolinea, Deskpro, Systempro, Portable

·         Press F10 while the cursor in the top right corner of the screen is blinking.

·         Older Compaq computers may use the F1, F2, F10, or Del key to give access to BIOS.

Dell - XPS, Dimension, Inspiron, Latitude. OptiPlex, Precision, Vostro

·         Press F2 when the Dell logo appears. Press every few seconds until the messageEntering Setup appears.

·         Older Dell desktops and laptops may instead use Ctrl+Alt+Enter or Del to enter BIOS.

·         Older Dell laptops may use Fn+Esc or Fn+F1.

eMachines - eMonster, eTower, eOne, S-Series, T-Series

·         Press Tab or Del while the eMachine logo displays on screen.

·         Other eMachine computers may use F2 to enter BIOS.

Fujitsu - LifeBook, Esprimo, Amilo, Tablet, DeskPower

·         Press F2 once the Fujitsu logo appears.

Gateway - DX, FX, One, GM, GT, GX, Profile, Astro

·         Press the F1 key repeatedly after restarting the computer.

·         Some older Gateway computers use F2 to access the BIOS Setup utility.

Hewlett-Packard (HP) - Pavilion, TouchSmart, Vectra, OmniBook, Tablet

·         Press the F1 or F10 key after restarting the computer.

·         HP Tablet PCs may use F10 or F12.

·         Other HP computers may allow access to BIOS using the F2 or Esc keys.

IBM - PC, XT, AT

·         Press F1 immediately after powering on the computer.

·         Older IBM computers (including some laptops) may utilize the F2 key for BIOS entry.

Lenovo (formerly IBM) - ThinkPad, IdeaPad, 3000 Series, ThinkCentre, ThinkStation

·         Press F1 or F2 after powering on the computer.

·         Older Lenovo products allow access to BIOS using Ctrl+Alt+F3, Ctrl+Alt+Ins, orFn+F1.

Micron (MPC Computers) - ClientPro, TransPort

·         Press F1, F2 or Del immediately after powering on the PC.

NEC - PowerMate, Versa, W-Series

·         Press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup.

Packard Bell - 8900 Series, 9000 Series, Pulsar, Platinum, EasyNote, imedia, iextreme

·         Press F1, F2, or Del to enter BIOS.

Sharp - Notebook Laptops, Actius UltraLite

·         Press F2 after the computer starts.

·         Some very old Sharp PCs require a Setup Diagnostics Disk to access BIOS.

Shuttle - Glamor G-Series, D'vo, Prima P2-Series, Workstation, X Mini XPC, Surveillance

·         Press F2 or Del on startup.

Sony - VAIO, PCG-Series, VGN-Series

·         Press F1, F2 or F3 after turning on the computer.

Toshiba - Portégé, Satellite, Tecra, Equium

·         Press F1 or Esc after powering on to access BIOS.

·         Press F12 on a Toshiba Equium.

The following companies are either closed for business or no longer manufacture or support mainstream computers systems so verifying the following BIOS access information is nearly impossible. I have included what I could dig up for anyone who might be interested:

ARI / ALR / AST (Advantage) - Press the Ctrl+Alt+Esc or Ctrl+Alt+Del keys.

Cybermax - Press the Esc key.

Tandon - Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys.

Clean Install from DVD, Step by Step

A typical clean installation (on a blank hard disk) step-by-step procedure is as follows:

1. Insert the Windows 7 DVD into your computer's DVD-ROM drive, and restart the computer. Windows 7 Setup should start automatically. If Setup does not start automatically, ensure that your computer is configured to boot from the DVD drive.

2. You are asked to select regional options for the Windows 7 installation. Make your selections and click Next to continue.

3. In the next dialog box, you are prompted to start the installation. Click Install Now to begin the installation. This produces a screen that tells you that Setup is starting.

4. In the Software License Terms dialog box, ensure that you read and understand the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA). When you're ready, select the I Accept the License Terms option and click Next to continue.

5. In the Which Type of Installation Do You Want? dialog box, shown in Figure 2.10, you can select only the Custom (Advanced) option because you're performing a new installation on a blank hard disk. Click Custom (Advanced) to continue.

6. In the Where Do You Want to Install Windows? dialog box, select the partition onto which you'll install Windows 7. When you're ready to proceed, click Next. If you need to provide a RAID or SCSI driver, now is the time to do it.

7. The Installing Windows dialog box appears and gives you an updated status of the upgrade process.

8. After some time, your computer restarts and the newly installed Windows 7 loads. Windows 7 resumes the installation process. Before the restart, a warning appears.

9. After the restart, you'll see a notification telling you that Windows 7 is preparing the new installation. Windows 7 moves back into a graphical display after a few minutes and tells you it's updating Registry settings and starting services, after which it lets you know it's completing the installation.

10. After completing the installation, Windows 7 asks you to provide a username and a computer name. After providing this information, click Next to continue.

Note: Always choose a computer name that is unique. It must differ from any other computer, workgroup, or domain names on the network. You'll probably want to enter your name or a name of your own choice, although Setup supplies a recommendation. You might want to coordinate naming your computer with your LAN administrator, if you have one.

11. In the next dialog box, you are asked to supply a password for your user account (which you must reenter as a double-check) and a password hint to help you remember that string. After making your selections, click Next to continue.

12. In the Type Your Windows Product Key dialog box, enter the product key that came with your Windows 7 DVD. I recommend that you leave the Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online option checked to take care of Windows Product Activation within the three days after the Windows 7 installation. After entering this information, click Next to continue.

You can also leave the Product Key box blank. If you do this, you'll be asked which version of Windows 7 you want to install, and you can select any version from Starter to Ultimate. You'll have to provide a valid product key, however, within 30 days for whatever version you install or else Windows 7 will nag you regularly and often about registration. (If you install a slip-streamed copy of Windows 7 Service Pack 1, or use the Windows Update service to upgrade to SP-1, you'll be reminded to register rather than receiving constant nags.)

You can use the no-key method to play around with different versions of Windows 7, but be careful if you select a version for which you don't have a key; you must perform a clean install every time you reinstall Windows 7, and you must eventually install a version for which you have a license, or erase it. You'll lose your applications and data every time you reinstall.

Caution: You should definitely not play with alternate versions if you are upgrading from an older version of Windows. After the first such install, there's no way to go back and repeat the upgrade with your licensed version of Windows 7.13. In the Help Protect Your Computer and Improve Windows Automatically dialog box, you configure the base security for Windows 7. In most cases, you should select Use Recommended Settings. To make your selection, click it.

14. In the Review Your Time and Date Settings dialog box, select your time zone, daylight savings option, and current date options. Click Finish to complete the upgrade process.

15. In the Select Your Computer's Current Location dialog box, shown in Figure 2.17, tell Windows where you'll be using your computer. As with Windows Vista, Windows 7 configures your network adapters for DHCP and does not ask you what to do.

16. Windows prompts you one last time-after you click Start, you're finished with the installation.

17. After a few more minutes, you are finally presented with your brand new Windows 7 login screen, as shown in Figure 2.18. Congratulations, you've completed the installation of Windows 7!

Tip: If you plan to perform a clean installation on your computer that is currently running some earlier Windows version, be sure to get your data and other files off the computer beforehand. You can perform this process manually, or you can opt to use Windows Easy Transfer to automatically copy all your files and settings to an external hard drive or network location. After the clean installation of Windows 7 has completed, you can run Windows Easy Transfer again to reload your files and settings on the new installation of Windows 7.

Clean Install from Inside Windows, Step by Step

If you initiate the Setup routine from within Windows XP or Windows Vista, the step-by-step procedure is as follows:

1. Insert the Windows 7 DVD into your computer's DVD-ROM drive. It should AutoPlay and present the Install Windows dialog box. If not, locate and double-click the setup.exe program in the Sources folder on the DVD.

2. To download, install, and use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, click the Check Compatibility Online link. Otherwise, to begin the in-place upgrade to Windows 7, click the Install Now link.

3. In the Get Important Updates for Installation dialog box, you are asked whether you want to download updates to the Windows 7 install files. Typically, for computers that have an active Internet connection, you're better off getting the updates. Make your selection by clicking it.

4. In the Please Read the License Terms dialog box, ensure that you read and understand the End User Licensing Agreement (EULA). When you're ready, select the I Accept the License Terms option and click Next to continue.

5. In the Type Your Product Key for Activation dialog box, you are asked to enter your Windows 7 product key. Enter the key and ensure that the Automatically Activate Windows When I'm Online option is checked, to enable Windows Product Activation. After entering the product key, click Next to continue.

6. In the Which Type of Installation Do You Want? dialog box, shown previously in Figure 2.10, select Custom (Advanced) because you're performing a clean installation here on top of an existing Windows XP installation.

7. In the Where Do You Want to Install Windows? dialog box, shown in Figure 2.20, select the partition onto which you'll install Windows 7. When you're ready to proceed, click Next.

8. The Setup application warns you that the selected partition contains files from another Windows installation, as shown in Figure 2.21. After you read this information, click OK to continue.

9. The Installing Windows dialog box appears and updates the status for the upgrade process.

10. From here, the rest of the process is just like that for a clean installation (on a blank hard disk) above, starting with step 9. After some time, your computer restarts and the newly installed Windows 7 loads.