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When I’m using a computer, I like to get things done quickly and efficiently. If my hands are on the keyboard, I don’t want to move one to the mouse if I don’t have to. Luckily there’s some great keyboard shortcuts you can use to make life easier.

• ALT+TAB = Switches between running programs.
• CTRL+TAB = Switches between tabs within a program.
• ALT+F4 = Closes the program you’re in.
• CTRL+F4 = Closes the current window but not necessarily the program.
• F1 = Launches Help! It’s generally contextual, you get help for the program and window that you’re in.
• CTRL+c = Copy
• CTRL+v = Paste
• CTRL+x = Cut
• CTRL+b = Bold
• CTRL+u = Underline
• CTRL+i = Italics

Many of the shortcuts use the “Windows” key in combination with other keys. That’s the key near your space bar with the flag on it.

• Windows Key by itself = Opens the Start Menu. Alternate=ctrl+esc.
• Windows Key + e = Opens Windows Explorer.
• Windows Key + l = Locks your computer. Alter.nate=ctrl+alt+del, click Lock.
• Windows Key + f = Opens the Find dialog.
• Windows Key + d = Minimizes all of your windows and displays the desktop.
• Windows Key + r = Opens the Run dialog box where you can do things geekily, like type Winword instead of clicking on the Microsoft Word icon.

That’s just a few that I use on a regular basis. Check out this Microsoft Knowledgebase article for a more comprehensive list. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449

Most programs also have their own keyboard shortcuts. You can usually find them by hitting F1!