5 Keyboard Hacks to Make Your Life Easier

used with permission from Microsoft at Home

Work faster and more comfortable using these five keyboard tricks everyone should know.

For most people, the keyboard is the main way to enter information into and control their computer. But are you controlling your keyboard, or is your keyboard controlling you? If you make typing mistakes or find your keyboard a bit uncomfortable, it’s not hard to correct those problems. Here’s how to quickly and easily change your keyboard settings and comfort options.

Keyboard Hack 1. Get to know your keyboard

Even if you’ve been using a PC for a long time, there may be features on your keyboard you don’t know about. Take a moment to get to know your keyboard so you can be more efficient when you’re working.

Keyboard Hack 2. Change keyboard settings

Once you’ve gotten more familiar with your keyboard, there are a few settings you can change to help you work more smoothly. You can alter:

• The rate at which the mouse pointer blinks, which can help its visibility.
• The speed at which keyboard characters repeat, which helps you to avoid typing errorrs.
• How long you need to press a key before the keyboard character starts repeating.

Keyboard Hack 3. Take shortcuts

Even if you’re a whiz with the mouse for Windows, keyboard shortcuts are typically a more efficient way to work. They’re called shortcuts because they reduce multiple clicks into one quick press of keys, like hitting a chord on a piano. Getting to know a few keyboard shortcuts for the things you do all the time, like saving or closing files, can make using your PC much easier and faster. Here are just a few popular keyboard shortcuts: ALT+TAB Switch between open programs or windows CTRL+S Save the current file or document (works in most programs) CTRL+Z Undo an action CTRL+C Copy the selected item Windows logo key +F1 Display Windows Help and Support ESC Cancel the current task Application key Open a menu of commands related to a selection in a program. Equivalent to right-clicking the selection.  For more, see the detailed list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows Vista, or Windows XP. Note: shortcuts for Windows 7 are the same as those listed for Windows Vista.

Keyboard Hack 4. Make it easier to press multiple keys

Do you find it difficult to press multiple keys at once? For example, if pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL is an acrobatic feat, you can set up Sticky Keys. With Sticky Keys you can hit one key at a time in a keyboard shortcut. You can even set it to make a noise so you know it’s working. You can set up Sticky Keys in Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP. (Hint: Press your “SHIFT” key 5 times in a row, then click on the link, to get going with Sticky Keys in Windows 7 or Windows Vista.)

Keyboard Hack 5. Find a comfortable keyboard

It might also be time for you to evaluate the ergonomics of your desktop. Microsoft offers a full line of Natural and Comfort Curve ergonomic keyboards to ensure you’re comfortable when you’re working on your computer. Having the right keyboard can really make a difference! Tips for using your keyboard properly If a new keyboard isn’t in your future, be sure to use your current keyboard properly to avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms. This is particularly important if you use your computer for long periods of time. Curious about how to create a more ergonomic work space for yourself? Check out these tips to help you work more comfortably and reduce your risk of painful injuries or disorders. Here are some general tips to help you avoid problems:

• Place your keyboard at elbow level, with your upper arms relaxed at your sides.
• Center your keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, you can use the spacebar as the centering point.
• When you’re not typing, relax your arms and hands.
• While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight.
• Take short breaks every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard, so that you can use your whole arm to reach for distant keys instead of stretching your fingers.
• Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any type of surface while typing. If your keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during breaks from typing.