computer keyboard - close-up image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.comKeyboard shortcuts can save a lot of time when performing repetitive tasks.People who use computers daily for repetitive tasks can save valuable time by avoiding the point and click of the mouse to complete many basic functions. Although the way different software operates varies based on its purpose, there are a fair amount of keyboard shortcuts that can eliminate the need to use the mouse for every action that will work in most applications.ALT FunctionsThe "Alt" key on the keyboard is often used in combination with other keys to open and close menus in various programs. Most PC programs have a file and edit menu, which can be accessed using a simple and fast keyboard shortcut. Hold down the Alt button while pressing "F" to open the file menu and then use the arrow keys to select the option you desire. Tapping the "enter" or "return" key will then activate that item within the menu. If you want to close the menu without selecting anything, simply keep the Alt button down and tap "F" again. The same principle works with the Edit menu in most applications. Holding down Alt and pressing "E" will open or close the Edit menu in the same way. Once you select an item from the menu, the menu itself will close automatically.CTRL FunctionsCtrl or "control" is another key that can come in very handy to speed up everyday tasks in most document-oriented programs. Holding down Ctrl and pressing one of several other keys will give you a quick way to perform basic document tasks. Ctrl and "A" will select all the text within an entire document or Web page. In a document that you are able to edit, Ctrl and "X" will cut the selected item and hold it on the clipboard so that it can be pasted elsewhere. Ctrl and "V" will paste the cut item into the newly selected space. If you do not wish to delete the item from its original location, but wish to place it on the clipboard for pasting, use Ctrl and "C" to copy it and then paste it where you wish.F KeysThe F keys, or function keys, vary from program to program and platform to platform. However, in most PC-based applications the F1 key is a shortcut to a help option within the program.Basic Mac ShortcutsApple computers tend to have their own set of rules when it comes to just about everything. But as far as shortcuts go, they are quite similar to the PC in basic functions. This is particularly true in the Ctrl functions.The Macintosh does not have a Ctrl key, but instead has a key known as the "command" key or the "apple" key. Similar to the Ctrl shortcuts, Mac users can hold down the apple key and press "C" to copy, "X" to cut, "V" to paste, "Z" to undo and "A" to select all. References Computer Hope: Computer keyboard shortcut keys Apple: Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts

• List of Computer Keyboard Shortcuts [10/12/2010 03:00:01]