Tech Tip: Keyboard and Application Shortcuts in Windows

Forum Discussion - Tech Tip: Keyboard and Application Shortcuts in Windows - 1 post(s)

Like many of you, I try to be as efficient as possible while not sacrificing the quality of my work. As I continue to use Windows, I find that sometimes, even though using a mouse is convenient, it is sometimes faster to use the keyboard. Starting off with MS-DOS, everything was done via keyboard. It is a habit I had become accustomed to. As I’ve moved into Windows, I still find myself very fond of the keyboard and use keyboard shortcuts as often as I can get away with. These do not replace what you can do with a mouse, the following only supplements your skills and may come in handy when you don’t have a working mouse.

Application Shortcuts

appwiz.cpl – Add/Remove Programs (Programs and Features in Vista/Windows 7)
cmd.exe – Command Prompt
mstsc.exe – Remote Desktop Connection

if you pass the /v switch, you can then specify the computer you want to connect to (either by computer name or IP address). Example: ‘mstsc /v:192.168.0.100′ or ‘mstsc /v:server’

notepad.exe – Notepad
calc.exe – Calculator
winword.exe – Microsoft Word (only if installed)
excel.exe – Microsoft Excel (only if installed)
iexplore.exe – Internet Explorer

If you type iexplore.exe http://www.mightorindustries.net,it will take you to whatever webpage you specify (in this case, it will bring you to Mightor Industries. How convenient?)

control printers – Printers and Faxes (Devices and Printers in Windows 7)
compmgmt.msc – Computer Management
odbcad32.exe – ODBC Data Source Administrator
regedit.exe – Registry Editor
gpedit.msc – Local Group Policy Editor
explorer.exe – Opens the Windows Explorer
devmgmt.msc – Device Manager
services.msc – Windows Service Manager
taskmgr.exe – Opens the Task Manager
control userpasswords2 – Alternate User Account manager

Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows Keyboard - Compliments of http://www.seoconsultants.com

Windows Key + D – Shows the desktop
Windows Key + L – Locks the desktop
Windows Key + E – Opens Windows Explorer
Windows Key + R – Opens the Run command dialog box
Windows Key + M – Minimizes all open Windows.
Ctrl + Alt + Enter – Functions as Ctrl + Alt + Del during an RDP session
Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Opens the Task Manager
Alt + Tab – Shift between open windows
Alt + F4 – Closes a Window
Shift + Del – Deletes a file without moving it to the Recycle Bin (permanent delete).