Basic Windows Tutorials - Keyboard Functions in Windows

This section of the tutorial will not deal with keyboard shortcuts. Learnthat.com offers a listing of many shortcuts in the Windows Keyboard Shortcuts tutorial.

The Shift Key: Used exactly the same as a typewriter in Windows. Makes capital letters and allows you to use the "cursing symbols" such as @#$%. The Shift Key can also be used to highlight text, like you would do with your mouse. Try it. hold down the shift key (don't release it), now move your cursor with the arrow keys. You should be able to highlight text this way.

The Alt Key: The ALT key stands for "Alternate." When you push this key in Windows, the cursor moves to the menu bar at the top of the screen. It's the same as clicking your mouse on the "File" Menu above. From there you can use the arrow keys to select menu options. This is useful if you don't like switching between your mouse and keyboard often. Press "Alt" again to move the cursor back off of the menu bar.

The Windows Key: This key opens the "Start Menu" at the lower left corner of your screen. It has the same effect as you clicking the "Start" button with your mouse. In my humble opinion, the only thing this key is good for is to sell new "Windows" keyboards for Microsoft.

The CTRL Key: The CTRL key stands for "Control." This key is used in combination with other keys to perform specific tasks, often called shortcuts. A list of common Windows Keyboard Shortcuts can be found on this site. One example is "CTRL+P." Often times programs automatically print the document you are using if you push the Control button and the "P" key at the same time. If you are using Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer to view this web page, you can bookmark the page using the keyboard shortcut "CTRL+D." Try it out!

The Delete Key: This key erases the character directly to the right of your cursor. If you have text or graphics that are highlighted, those are erased by pushing this key as well.

The Backspace Key: This key erases the character directly to the left of your cursor. If you have text or graphics that are highlighted, those are erased by pushing this key as well.

Next Page: More Keyboard Keys