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Tip of the day

Keyboard shortcuts - what are they and how can they help me?

As the name suggests, they provide quick ways of doing things that otherwise might take a long time to do.

One example - Ctrl+P - used if you want to print the Microsoft Word document you've been writing. Just hold down the Ctrl key and press the letter P on the keyboard - the print dialogue will appear instantly.

My most commonly used Windows keyboard shortcuts:(for Macs, substitute the Apple key for the Ctrl key)
•    Ctrl+C (Copy)
•    Ctrl+X (Cut) - think of the X as a pair of scissors
•    Ctrl+V (Paste) - possibly derived from the printer's insert mark
•    Ctrl+Z (Undo) - no I don't know why it's Z!
•    Ctrl+A (Select All) - can be used in a program, such as Word, or within a folder
•    Ctrl+S (Save)
•    Esc (Cancel the current task)
•    Oh, and did you know that, in the print-dialogue window and many other dialogues, pressing the Enter key is equivalent to clicking on the OK button? And it's a lot easier to do that than use a mouse.

My favourite keyboard shortcuts:
• CTRL+] (ie right-hand of the two square brackets - increase size of highlighted text in Word by one point)
• CTRL+[ (ie the left-hand of the two square brackets - decrease size of highlighted text in Word by one point)

My Windows get-out-of-jail keyboard shortcuts:
• CTRL+F4 (closes the program or window that is active)
• CTRL+Alt+Del (brings up Task Manager) - will often let you shut down the PC if it has become locked up. Also lets you selectively close running programs

During 20+ years as a technology journalist & computer-magazine editor, Bob Crabtree became renowned worldwide for his knowledge & integrity.

Bob's Wanstead-based Computer Solutions has further enhanced his reputation by offering honest advice to accompany the wide range of affordably-priced help, support & training provided to home & business users of Windows, Mac & Linux PCs in & around east London.

Among the many services offered are:

    * Speeding up slow Windows and Mac computers
    * Virus & malware removal
    * Solving internet, email & network problems
    * Fixing dead computers
    * Bespoke computer building
    * Computer setup (new or relocated) & optimisation
    * Wireless and wired network setup (& problem-solving)
    * Printer setup
    * Data backup & recovery
    * Email & data transfer (including Outlook, Outlook Express & iTunes)
    * Upgrades & buying advice

     * Setup & tuition for:
        + iPods
        + iPads
        + iPhones
        + Android phones
        + Media servers

    * Training - group or one2one:
        + Microsoft Word
        + Microsoft Excel
        + Microsoft Powerpoint
        + iTunes
        + Video & audio editing
        + Using the internet & email

    * Whole-business IT consultancy
    * Marketing & PR strategies
    * Web-design consultancy

In addition, Bob also sorts out problems with HDTVs and video and audio systems. Typical jobs include:

    * Setting up (and showing how to use):
        + DVD recorders
        + Surround-sound systems
        + Media servers

* Wall-mounting HDTV sets
* Trouble-shooting aerial & satellite installation

Hold a gun to his head (or offer large sums of money) and Bob will even don his old green eyeshades to help out with emergency book or magazine editing jobs. Most recently, he did a major rewrite of the French-to-English translation of Jacques Taglang's huge masterwork Mariette and the Herreshoff Schooners.

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