Alt + Enter a highlighted object to see its Properties, like file size, date created or last modified, and what program is associated with the file. You can also just hold the Alt key down and double-click the item. ~ Chris Fisher
Search function in windows
Don't remember where you've saved a folder, document, or picture file? XP users can go to the Start menu and choose the Search function. You can look for the document by name, file type, or the date the file was last modified. ~ Chris Fisher
F1 Help and FAQ for troubleshooting PC problems
Troubleshooting Technical Difficulties It seems like the majority of technical difficulties occur after business hours or on weekends. Sometimes you'll be lucky, and we'll have a tip in our searchable tip archive that already addresses your problem. If we don't, here is another route to solving email problems. Most Microsoft programs have a similar help … Continue reading F1 Help and FAQ for troubleshooting PC problems
Mouse-based Copy/Paste
Yet another, faster way to Copy / Paste items around your computer! (Am I the only one who seems to be doing this constantly?) Hold down the control key while you drag that icon using the mouse. You'll move a copy to the new location rather than the original. Grab! Dump! Done! ~ Chris Fisher
Task Manager by Mouse
Learn the absolute quickest way to access your Windows Task Manager with this helpful tip!
F2 to rename desktop items
Want to rename an item on your desktop? Highlight it and tap F2. The text box will then allow you to change the name. Function keys not working? Here's a fix. ~ Chris Fisher
Shift to Disable Autorun
Q: Whenever I put a CD into my computer it automatically opens Windows Media Player, iTunes, etc. and starts playing. How do I stop this from happening!? A: So you want to start the music on your terms, eh? Well, that's easy enough. Just hold down the Shift key when you insert a CD and … Continue reading Shift to Disable Autorun
Control click-drag to copy / paste
This is fun. We tell you to copy and paste things in many of our tips. Sure, you could use CTRL + C to copy it and CTRL + V to paste it in the new location. You can also just hold the CTRL key and click-drag the item to copy it to a new … Continue reading Control click-drag to copy / paste
Really, really delete an item. Shift Delete.
Sick of the two-step process of deleting objects and then having to empty the Recycling bin? Highlight the item you want to get rid of and Shift + Delete. One step! Just be careful, because it's really gone! ~ Chris Fisher
Ctrl + Esc to open the Start menu without the mouse
A lot of the time here at Worldstart our tips send you directly to the Start Menu, right? (i.e - Start>Control Panel, etc.) Well, if you want a quick keystroke to make the Start menu open try Ctrl+Esc next time. This will pop open the menu and you can use the arrow keys on your … Continue reading Ctrl + Esc to open the Start menu without the mouse