When inspiration is flowing, we need to get those ideas onto the computer quickly. We don’t want the computer to be an obstacle in itself. Nor do we want to be hampered or dispirited by slow, needlessly laborious methods.
There are some things we do repeatedly on our computers. If we can do them more efficiently, we save time, increase productivity, and technology ceases to be an obstacle.
Typing is an obvious example of something we do all the time and, although our typing ability improves with continued usage, it’s worth investing time in improving technique (also, bear in mind that, bad typing technique will lead to aches, pains and strains!).
Typing technique isn’t covered here. Get used to using a search engine, such as google, to ask questions.
Some examples of repetitive tasks:
- switching between applications
- making selections (files, and text)
- searching for files and apps
- opening files and apps
- copying and pasting between apps
- editing text
Most of the above tasks can be carried out using the keyboard, only. Using the mouse or trackpad is often slower and requires more effort.
As ours hands tend to hover over the keyboard, if a given task can be achieved with the keyboard, instead of the mouse, why waste time and effort reaching for the mouse?
With a little practice, using Keyboard shortcuts becomes second nature.
As well as keyboard shortcuts, this tutorial covers topics that you’ll run into sooner or later, such as backing up, software updates, and scanning documents.
Bear in mind that there’s often numerous ways to achieve the same thing, perhaps you might find your own methods to speed up your workflow.
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