Windows 7 Shortcut Keys

Windows 7 includes a lot of new keyboard shortcuts that are unknown for a new user. This tutorial comprises of keyboard shortcuts containing almost all the keyboard shortcuts that are available in Windows 7 and its default programs. Keyboard shortcuts are amalgamation of two or more keys that when pressed together performs a task that would typically require a mouse or other pointing device. Keyboard shortcuts can make it easier to interact with your computer, saving your time and effort when you work with Windows and other programs.

Most programs also provide accelerator keys that can make it easier to work with menus and other commands available in the program for users. Check the menus of programs for accelerator keys. If a letter is underlined in a menu item, which usually means that pressing the Alt key in combination with the underlined key will have the same effect as clicking that menu item.

Pressing the Alt key in some programs, such as Paint, WordPad or MS Office 2007 shows commands that are labeled with additional keys that you can press to use them.

How the keys are organized on a standard Keyboard

The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on their functions:

• Typing (alphanumeric) keys: These keys include the letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys that we use mostly in our daily life.
• Control keys: These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo key, and Esc.
• Function keys: The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program.
• Navigation keys: These keys are used for navigate in a long window pane such as documents or webpages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
• Numeric keypad: The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or an adding machine.