Healthy Computing Tip # 425: Use the Keys
Do you find yourself reaching out to use your mouse, which is shunted to the side of your wide keyboard? Are you developing mouse shoulder or mouse arm because of the increased muscle tension from arm abduction as you reach for your mouse? Spend less time with the mouse and relax your shoulders when you use the keys.*
How to Use the Keys:
In Microsoft Windows there are numerous keyboard alternatives to using the mouse. By using the keyboard, you can increase your efficiency and reduce your mousing. The more you use them the easier they become. Learn and use the following commands:
Command |
Key Combinations |
| Open the Start Menu | Windows key or Ctrl + Esc |
| Close window or program | Alt + Spacebar then C |
| Shut Down the computer | Windows Key, then U, then Enter |
| Minimize the active window | Alt + spacebar then N |
| Maximize the active window | Alt + spacebar then X |
Copy selected items to clipboard for later use
|
Ctrl + C |
Cut selected items (and copy to clipboard)
|
Ctrl + X |
Paste items from clipboard at position of cursor
|
Ctrl + V |
Select All items in a folder, window, or document
|
Ctrl + A |
| Undo last action | Ctrl + Z |
| Repeat last action | Ctrl + Y |
| Save changes to current file | Ctrl + S |
Print current file
|
Ctrl + P |
Open a file from within a program
|
Ctrl + O |
Create a new file within a program
|
Ctrl + N |
Regardless whether you use the keyboard commands or the mouse, take many micro and movement breaks to regenerate.
* Adapted from Keyboard Alternatives to Using the Mouse which was compiled by the RET Project. We thank Ray Grott for these alternative keyboard suggestions.
