Ctrl + C

Copy

This is the most useful keyboard shortcut. Many people use the copy function in their everyday computer use. This function makes a copy in the computer's memory of the information that the user has currently selected.

Ctrl + V

Paste

This keyboard combination pairs very nicely with Copy. Paste places whatever information was stored in memory by a copy command where the computer's cursor is.

Ctrl + X

Cut

This command is a lot like Copy, however, it deletes the information that is moved into memory instead of creating a copy.

Ctrl + A

Select All

This is a very useful tool for starting a Microsoft Word document over again. Ctrl + A selects everything on a page. If delete is pressed after Ctrl + A everything in the document will be deleted.

Ctrl + N

New Document

This keyboard shortcut will create a new document in whatever Microsoft application that is being used. Word, Excel, Internet explorer or Power Point, Ctrl + N will open up a fresh document.

Ctrl + P

Print

In almost any application available pressing the Control and P key at the same time will bring up the printing interface.

F9

Send/Receive

In Outlook or Outlook Express the F9 key will force the program to check your email. F9 is the key in the row above the standard numbers.

F1

Help

My favorite button on the keyboard. Whatever program that you are in the F1 button will bring up the Help interface. Many computer questions that are asked can easily be researched using F1

Alt + Tab

Change Task

Pressing Alt + Tab switch which program that is running that you are looking at. For example, Reading the news on Firefox I can press Alt + Tab to easily switch to my Email I was reading earlier.

Print Screen

Copy Screen

This button, which is usually above the arrow keys on the keyboard, takes a snapshot of what is being displayed on the computer screen. By going into Microsoft Word or a photo editing program and using Ctrl + V will paste the captured picture to be saved.