by David Hakala
The Windows Logo key on your keyboard is an enigma. What’s it do? How did it get there? Well, it’s been around since 1995, when Windows 95 was introduced. It’s used in combination with other keys to perform a host of common functions quickly, without having to point and click one’s way through a series of menus.
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by Gabe Goldberg
The Windows mouse is a mixed blessing. It does things – such as highlighting and dragging text — that would be tough to do with a keyboard. And yet moving one’s hand between mouse and keyboard is a major distraction and time waster; even accomplished touch typists lose keyboard focus when mousing.
So it’s worth exploring how Windows’ flexibility, providing multiple ways to do things, lets keyboard shortcuts replace many common mouse functions. First, remember that many tasks are standardized across Windows applications, so learning them once helps early and often. And while they’ll become second nature as you practice them, don’t be overwhelmed by their number — notice a few that will be most helpful and consciously use them instead of mouse clicks. When they’re automatic for your hands, pick a few more. You’ll soon amaze colleagues and friends with your dexterity.
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