There are multiple ways to do the same actions, the key is to find the way that works for you. Over the next few blogs I’ll be dealing with shortcuts. These are the shortcuts that amaze people and I quite often hear, "I wish I’d known that sooner!"

Most tips, tricks and hints assume (yes, I know what that means!) a certain amount of base knowledge. If you need some background on a particular item, please let me know and I’d be happy to fill in the missing data.

There are two buttons on your mouse; when the instructions say "click" that means the left mouse button. RIGHT click means the RIGHT mouse button (your other right !) If you don’t get the desired effect from the action it means you clicked the wrong button.

In some cases when you make a mistake performing an action, you need to undo the mistake before trying to carry on with the original action.

• The most important rule with any computer or software!!
  95% of all computer problems can be resolved with a complete shutdown and restart. One time glitches, freezes, slowdowns etc will usually disappear with a shut down & restart. If a program continually freezes, hiccups or is just plain slow, it’s telling you it needs to shut down.

• Several Methods to Copy or Cut and Paste
  Highlight the text you wish to copy or cut (copy leaves the text in the original spot, cut removes it from the original spot) then follow one of the steps below or even a combination:

  ~RIGHT click on the highlighted text, click on copy or cut. Move your mouse to where you want to paste and RIGHT click, click on paste. OR

  ~Hold down the Ctrl key and hit "c" for copy, "x" for cut, let go of the Ctrl key. Go to where you want to paste the text, hold down the Ctrl key and hit "v", let go of the Ctrl key (Ctrl+p is for printing – more on that later). – This method is especially useful for people who have trouble using their mouse. OR

  ~Click "edit" on your Toolbar (top of the screen, looks like: "File", "Edit", "View" etc) click copy or cut. Go to where you want to paste and click "edit", paste.

To be continued……..

Chatter

Welcome to my blog and my website – hope you find it useful and interesting. Feel free to post comments, ask questions, suggest (computer related) topics or drop me an email at info@silhouettecomputer.com

This blog is devoted to all things computer: computer programs, computers in general, troubleshooting, technical help etc.

I’ve been running my computer consulting business for a number of years now and I have a great deal of experience teaching newbies how to get around on their computers. My target group has been people my age and older as I found the parents of the baby-boomers (and some baby-boomers) have realized that computers aren’t a passing fad and have accepted that they either have to learn how to use them or get left behind.

One huge advantage that the older generation is latching onto is that as they become more and more housebound they can use the internet to keep in touch with friends (email), meet new friends (Facebook) and stay connected with the world.

On line banking is another area that makes some people nervous. I like to point out though, your information is on the net whether you access it or not; it’s there. However, and this is very important, with online banking you can access your accounts anytime of the day or night, weekday or weeknight, stat holiday or regular day. You can tell at a glance if anything suspicious is happening to your account. Instead of waiting weeks for your bank statement, or for a bank open, you can find out in a matter of minutes.

As this blog progresses I’ll have step by step instructions on some things, opinions on a whole host of items (don’t we all?), reviews of products and software etc.

While you’re here, check out my website.

Chatter.

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