A keyboard shortcut is a series of keys you can press to complete a computer command. As a common convention, keys that are meant to be pressed at the same time are joined by a + in written text. For example, Ctrl+S means you should press the Ctrl and S keys at the same time.

There are many, many keyboard shortcuts. However, you will probably only need to use a few. We will use many of these shortcuts throughout the course.

Note: Cut vs. Copy

Cut	Copy

Cutting and copying can be used on files, folders, and text. Both are followed by the Paste command. So what’s the difference between cutting and copying?

The cut command removes the selected data from its original position, while the copy command creates a duplicate; in both cases the selected data is kept in a temporary storage tool called the clipboard. The data in the clipboard is later inserted in the position where the paste command is issued. The data is available to any application supporting the feature, thus allowing easy data transfer between applications.

Think of using scissors to cut out a line of text on a printed sheet of paper and pasting it onto another sheet of paper. The line is no longer part of the original piece of paper when you cut it out. Now think of using a copy machine to copy the sheet of paper. The line of text is still on the original sheet of paper.

Note: Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Ctrl+Alt+Delete is a useful tool for terminating crashed programs or shutting down a frozen computer. Ctrl+Alt+Delete interrupts whatever your computer is doing and allows you to shut down your computer or access the Task Manager. The Task Manager shows every program currently being used and allows you to close unresponsive programs or background tasks.

The Windows 10 Ctrl+Alt+Delete screen. (Click the image to enlarge.)

Windows 10 Task Manager. To close a program, select the program then click End task.

Overview of Keys

Below is a diagram of the keyboard with some keys labeled. Do not be worried if your keyboard does not match the diagram or does not have exactly the same keys.

Control Key

The control key, or Ctrl key, is essential to many common shortcuts. It does not do anything when pressed by itself, but when pressed at the same time as other keys, it can modify the other key’s function.

Alt Key

The alt key, or alternate key, triggers an alternate use for keys. For example, many special characters (characters not commonly found on the keyboard, such as ¿ or ¢) are available when pressing Alt and the right series of numbers. Like the control key, the alt key is also essential to many common shortcuts.

Windows Key

The Windows key (also known as Win key, start key, or home) causes the start menu to open. The logo may vary slightly from the design in the diagram above. If the Windows key is missing, Ctrl+Esc can serve the same function.

This logo was used from 2012 to the present.

This logo was used 2002–2012.

Menu Key

The menu key, or application key, is usually represented by a small icon depicting a pointer hovering above a menu. It is typically found on the right side of the keyboard between the right Windows logo key and the right control key (or between the right alt key and the right control key). The menu key is frequently omitted in the interest of space, particularly on portable and laptop keyboards. The key’s primary function is to launch a context menu with the keyboard rather than with the usual right-mouse button. It can be used when the right-mouse button is not present on a mouse.

Escape Key

The escape key, or Esc, is at the top-left corner of the keyboard. It can be used as a shortcut in dialog boxes to close programs.

Print Screen Key

The print screen key, or Prt Sc key, is used for taking screenshots. Pressing Prt Sc will take a snapshot of the entire screen, and pressing Prt Sc+Alt will take a snapshot of just the currently selected window. The default save location of screenshots taken is C:\Users\<user name>\Pictures\Screenshots.