TIP: Relatively unknown computer tricks

Here are some lesser-known computer tricks and shortcuts that can help improve productivity and make using your computer more efficient:

Windows Shortcuts:

1. Windows Key Shortcuts:

   • Win + D: Quickly show/hide the desktop.
   • Win + Left/Right Arrow: Snap the current window to the left or right side of the screen.
   • Win + Up Arrow: Maximize the current window.
   • Win + Shift + S: Take a screenshot of a selected area (Windows 10 and later).
   • Win + . (period): Open the emoji panel (Windows 10 and later).
   • Win + , (comma): Peek at the desktop (temporarily minimize all open windows).

2. Taskbar Tricks:

   • Shift + Right-click: Access additional options for an app in the taskbar (such as opening a new window or running as administrator).
   • Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager directly (bypassing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete menu).

3. Window Management:

   • Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows quickly.
   • Alt + F4: Close the active window.
   • Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder in File Explorer without using the mouse.

4. Text Editing:

   • Ctrl + Backspace: Delete entire words instead of letters (in most text editors).
   • Ctrl + Arrow keys: Move the cursor between words instead of individual characters.
   • Shift + Arrow keys: Highlight text one character at a time.
   • Ctrl + Shift + Arrow keys: Highlight text one word at a time.

Mac Shortcuts:

1. Finder Shortcuts:

   • Cmd + Shift + . (period): Show/hide hidden files in Finder.
   • Cmd + Option + Esc: Force Quit applications.

2. Spotlight Search:

   • Cmd + Space: Open Spotlight Search to quickly find files, launch apps, or perform calculations.

3. Window Management:

   • Cmd + ` (backtick): Switch between open windows of the same application.
   • Cmd + Option + H: Hide all other applications except the active one.

4. Text Editing:

   • Option + Delete: Delete entire words to the left of the cursor.
   • Option + Arrow keys: Move the cursor between words.
   • Cmd + Shift + V: Paste text without formatting (in many applications).

General Tips and Tricks:

1. Clipboard History:

   • Windows Key + V (Windows 10 and later): Access the clipboard history to paste previously copied items.
   • Cmd + Shift + V (macOS): Paste text without formatting from the clipboard.

2. Screenshots:

   • Windows Key + Shift + S (Windows 10 and later): Take a screenshot of a selected area.
   • Cmd + Shift + 4 (macOS): Take a screenshot of a selected area.

3. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • Many applications allow you to create custom keyboard shortcuts for specific functions. Check the preferences/settings of your favourite apps.

4. Task Automation:

   • Use tools like Windows Task Scheduler (Windows) or Automator (macOS) to automate repetitive tasks.

5. Virtual Desktops:

   • Windows Key + Ctrl + D (Windows): Create a new virtual desktop.
   • Ctrl + ← or → (Windows), Ctrl + ← or → (macOS): Switch between virtual desktops.

6. File Navigation:

   • Tab Completion: In command line interfaces (like Command Prompt or Terminal), use Tab to autocomplete file and folder names.

7. System Information:

   • Windows Key + Pause/Break (Windows): Open System Properties.
   • Cmd + Option + Esc (macOS): View system information and force quit applications.

These are just a few examples of computer tricks and shortcuts that can make your computing experience smoother and more efficient. Explore your operating system's settings and features to discover even more ways to customize and optimize your workflow.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model