Whether you’re starting out as a computer user or just lack PC navigational knowledge, it is important to be aware of these sequential input functions so that you are able to increase the speed and efficiency in which you carry out a variety of tasks. To my knowledge, all of the functions which you can perform on the keyboard can also be done in stages using the commands on screen but this is usually more time consuming.

The list that I have compiled within this blog post covers the essential keyboard functions which users of all experience level should be familiar with. It goes without saying that there are many more keyboard functions than what I have specified here but presenting them all would be overwhelming and would not provide the best insight of the most useful shortcuts.

#1: Windows Key + Search

There will be occasions where you’re struggling to find certain files or folders. By using this function, you can quickly and easily locate them. Press the button as displayed in the image above then start typing the name of the object that you wish to find, within the search bar. For example: “Google Chrome.” If the computer is not able to draw the results that you were expecting or it is taking a particularly long time to search then you may need to be more specific with the location.

After typing the name of that object, you can run it in matter of seconds by using the arrow keys to switch between the search results and pressing the enter/return key to select it.

#2: Copy, Cut + paste

These are extremely important shortcut keys for text editing and data input. Each one is used in a whole range of practical situations. For instance, you could be typing an important report within Microsoft Word and suddenly you decide that a specific paragraph would sound more appropriate elsewhere in the document.

Well, after selecting the text, instead of tediously having to right click and select “copy”/”cut” then “paste” each time; you can simply hold ‘Ctrl’ and press “X” (cut) or “C” (copy) then press “V” (paste). This is highlighted in the picture above.

#3: Searching the current file or page

To save yourself the trouble of having to relentlessly sift through seemingly endless paragraphs of text or other objects, you can use the incredibly useful “find” function. This can be accessed by holding ‘Ctrl’ and pressing “F” which will then activate a search bar.

You’re are able to perform a search for what you are looking for in the same way you did earlier after pressing the Windows Key. In most instances where this feature is available, you can continuously press the “enter”/”return” key to skip to each occurrence of the phrase which you typed into the search bar. The amount of times that the specified phrase appears within a website for example will be displayed on the side of the search bar.

#4: Quickly Print

If you’re just like me and still prefer having paper based copies of important documents and such then you’ll want to learn this shortcut. Simply press ‘Ctrl’ and ‘P’ to bring up the print window. This is useful to know, especially if you print on a regular basis because you can avoid wading through numerous options within the menu.

#5: Access the Task Manager

By pressing ‘Ctrl’, ‘Alt’ and ‘Delete’ simultaneously you will be taken to a screen which will present you with a list of options. One of which will be the Task Manager. Not only is this a quick way of launching operations such as: ‘changing the password’ but it’ll also work as a sort of recovery tool if you’re computer freezes unexpectedly. Normally when the PC freezes or locks up, it won’t allow you to open anymore processes from the desktop however, if you access the tool from the menu mentioned then you’ll be able to get around this issue.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to read this blog. I hope you found it to be useful.

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