CertiGuide to A+ (Operating Systems)  9  Chapter 0000:  How to Get There       9  IV  Windows, Mice and Keyboards

The TAB Key 1 Shortcut Keys

The keyboard shown is an example of a keyboard designed for use with a Windows Operating System.

Becoming familiar with the various keys will make a difference in the speed and efficiency with which you can work through documents, play games or surf the Internet.

There are quite a variety of keyboard tutorials and practice programs available. You are encouraged to make use of some of the shareware programs (free to try until you decide to buy) that can be found by simply typing in “typing shareware” in your Internet search engine.

Notice the key that shows the Windows icon. When pressed, the Windows key will display (geeks will say bring up) a menu. For the keyboard driven user this eliminates a mouse click to get the menu open.

Why does this matter in 2002, since you can use a GUI instead? When the mouse does not work we need to know how to drive with the keyboard alone. Also, as you use the computer more frequently, you may find that it’s faster for you to do certain actions with the mouse, and certain ones with the keyboard. And as an A+ technician, you may one day have to troubleshoot a system with a malfunctioning keyboard. So knowing how to use both effectively can be very useful.

Also, it is important to note that before a mouse driver is loaded, we must perform various functions without a mouse, such as BIOS settings and changes. Becoming keyboard driven is also an ergonomically sound practice.

The TAB Key 1 Shortcut Keys