Its obvious that the most used peripheral device connected to the computer is mouse, after the Monitor: when talking about a basic user. Considering myself as an instance of a basic level user, I can't do anything without using a mouse. Even I've been using mouse more than keyboard in typing this post. But, moved by the question that: 'Why can't we use only keyboard in place of a mouse?' I've searched and found something interesting. Microsoft has designed some shortcuts for the functionality that can be done with a keyboard only. They have categorized them into several aspects, I've replicated some of them: the most general functions we do everyday, with a mouse. I've categorized them based on the key we use in the operation. I see some keys that are basically built for specific functionality. They are the 12 Function keys (F1-F12), Shift, Control (Ctrl), Alternate (Alt).
Control (Ctrl) Family:-
The set of keys that come under this are, mainly file operations and some special functions.
Ctrl+C : Copy
Ctrl+X : Delete selected item and save a copy to the clipboard
Ctrl+V : Paste
Ctrl+Z : Undo
Ctrl while : dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
Ctrl+Shift : while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
Ctrl+Right Arrow : Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
Ctrl+Left Arrow : Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
Ctrl+Down Arrow : Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph
Ctrl+Up Arrow : Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
Ctrl+F4 : Close the active document in programs that enable multiple documents to be open at the same time
Ctrl+Shift with any arrow key : Highlight a block of text
Ctrl+A : Select all
Ctrl+Shift+Esc : Open Task Manager
Ctrl+Esc : Display the Start menu
Alternate (Alt) Family:-
The main function of the Alt key is to swap between processes, tasks etc., the keys in this are:
Alt+Enter : View the properties for the selected item
Alt+F4 : Close the active item, or exit the active program
Alt+Enter : Display the properties of the selected object
Alt+ Space-bar : Open the shortcut menu for the active window
Alt+Tab : Switch between the open items
Alt+Esc : Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
Alt+ Space-bar : Display the System menu for the active window
Alt+Underlined letter in a menu name : Display the corresponding menu
Shift Family:-
Shift as the name indicates, shifts the control from one process or task to another, the keys in this:
Shift+F10 : Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
Shift+Delete : Delete the selected item permanently without moving the item to the Recycle Bin
Shift with any arrow key : Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document
Shift when you insert a CD into the CD drive : Prevent the CD from automatically playing
Function Keys:-
There are 12 function keys exactly placed at the top of the keyboard, right in the first row:
F2 key : Rename the selected item
F3 key : Search for a file or a folder
F4 key : Display the Address bar list in My Computer or in Windows Explorer
F5 key : Update the active window (Refresh)
F6 key : Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F10 key : Activate the menu bar in the active program
Other Key Commands:-
There are other combinations, that provide several specific functionality. they are:
Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu : Perform the corresponding command
Right Arrow : Open the next menu to the right, or open a sub menu
Left Arrow : Open the next menu to the left, or close a sub menu
Backspace : View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer
Esc : Cancel the current task
Delete : Delete
