Coming across clients that are unaware of the various capabilities built into their computers is still commonplace even today. For example, I recently worked on a client’s computer as they stood nearby and watched. I needed to update some drivers, wanted the tech specs on the PC and also a list of compatible memory sticks for the machine. I opened one internet browser window and brought up the manufacturers website. As that window was loading, I opened a second tab in the browser by clicking on the tiny tab next to the open one and navigated to the website of the driver provider. While the second page was loading I opened a third tab and searched for memory manufacturers. I even opened a fourth tab and brought up a local store to see if they carried any of the memory the PC needed. The client observed all these windows opening and stated that he didn’t know you could work in multiple windows at one time. The only limit to the number of windows is the memory and speed of the processor. How do we know when we have reached our PC’s limit? It will slow down as it runs out of resources and is forced to complete one job before moving on to the next. I could have opened other programs as well, such as a word processor or a picture program as long as my PC’s resources were sufficient.
Another area that computer users are unaware of is the keyboard. Most of us use the mouse to move ourselves around the computer, opening programs or the program list by clicking here and clicking there. But there are some simple shortcuts we can use that bypass the mouse and perhaps save us just a bit of hand movement. Let’s start by examining one of the most underutilized keys on the keyboard. Take a look, usually on the same row of keys that contains the space bar, for a key that has the Windows Logo on it. This is called the Windows Key and using it in conjunction with other keys will allow for a multitude of actions all at the touch of the keyboard. Here is a list of commands and what they do. Remember, the “windows” key listed here is usually found on the bottom row of keys and is the anchor for the other keys. This means that the “windows” key should be pressed first followed immediately by the second key listed.
Windows: Display the Start menu
Windows + D: Minimize or restore all windows
Windows + E: Display Windows Explorer
Windows + F: Display Search for files
Windows + Ctrl + F: Display Search for computer
Windows + F1: Display Help and Support Center
Windows + R: Display Run dialog box
Windows + break: Display System Properties dialog box
Windows + shift + M: Undo minimize all windows
Windows + tab: move through taskbar buttons
Windows + L: Lock the workstation (or switch to the Logon screen w/Fast User Switching enabled)
Windows + U: Open Utility Manager
An additional thing we all like to do is to personalize our stuff. Why not our computer? On my PC I use a collection of photographs taken on a road trip around the country as a screensaver slideshow. Every time my computer is idle for five minutes, a slide show containing a few hundred photos starts and continues displaying a different photo every thirty seconds until I move the mouse or touch the keyboard. To set this up on your machine, right-click an empty spot on your desktop and a menu will open and from the menu click Properties (XP) or Personalize (Vista/Windows7). Now, click the Screen Saver tab. Next in the Screen saver list, click My Pictures Slideshow (XP) or Photos (Vista/Windows7). Almost done. Click Settings to make any adjustments, such as how often the pictures should change, what size they should be, and whether you'll use transition effects between pictures, and then click OK. Now your screen saver is a random display of the pictures taken from your My Pictures folder.
Finally, one last tip. Occasionally, the keyboard may stop functioning. If we are in the middle of something that we really want to finish, it can be helpful to utilize the on screen keyboard built into Windows XP. In order to reach this keyboard easily, right-click an empty spot on the desktop, and then click New – Shortcut. Now type OSK and click NEXT. On the next window give the shortcut a name like Keyboard and click finish. An icon will appear and when opened will present an on screen version of the keyboard that allows us to use the mouse to type in commands.
Try it, you’ll like it!
Don’t forget that Grumbles From The Keyboard, chock full of useful tips, tricks and how-to’s is available online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles, www.grumblesfromthekeyboard.com or The Bean on 41 in beautiful Punta Gorda, FL. Get yours today! And did I mention that Grumbles is Santa approved? See it here. http://youtu.be/IeN8QfL0SUk
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