Basic Computer Shortcut Keys (A to Z)
Here are some essential keyboard shortcuts that can help you work more efficiently:
Alt + E: Edits options in the current program.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows.
Alt + F: Shows file menu options in the current program.
Alt + F4: Closes the current window.
Ctrl + A: Select all text.
Ctrl + X: Cut the selected item.
Ctrl + C: Copy the selected item.
Ctrl + V: Paste the selected item.
Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
Ctrl + S: Save the current document.
Ctrl + P: Open the print dialog box.
Ctrl + F: Start the find utility.
Ctrl + N: Open a new window or document.
Ctrl + T: Open a new tab.
Ctrl + W: Close the current tab.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Windows Task Manager.
Windows key + L: Lock the computer.
Windows key + X: Access the Power User Tasks Menu in Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize the active program window.
Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize the active program window.
Computer Shortcut Keys for MS Office
Here are some commonly used shortcut keys in MS Office applications:
Ctrl + N: New document.
Ctrl + O: Open document.
Ctrl + S: Save document.
Ctrl + P: Print document.
Ctrl + Z: Undo action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo action.
Ctrl + A: Select all.
Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected text.
Ctrl + V: Paste copied text.
Ctrl + B: Bold text.
Ctrl + I: Italicize text.
Ctrl + U: Underline text.
Ctrl + F: Find text.
Ctrl + H: Replace text.
Ctrl + K: Insert hyperlink.
Ctrl + L: Align left.
Ctrl + E: Align center.
Ctrl + R: Align right.
Ctrl + J: Justify text.
Computer Shortcut Keys for Special Characters
Here are some commonly used computer shortcut keys for special characters:
Alt + 0224: à
Alt + 0232: è
Alt + 0236: ì
Alt + 0242: ò
Alt + 0241: ñ
Alt + 0228: ä
Alt + 0246: ö
Alt + 0252: ü
Alt + 0248: ø
Alt + 0191: ¿
Alt + 0231: ç
Alt + 0198: Æ
Alt + 0223: ß
Alt + 0153: ™
Alt + 0177: ± (plus/minus symbol)
Alt + 0174: ®
Alt + 0176: ° (degree symbol)
Alt + 0128: € (Euro currency)
Alt + 0162: ¢ (Cent symbol)
Alt + 0163: £ (British Pound currency)
Alt + 0165: ¥ (Japanese Yen currency)
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Win + Ctrl + Shift + B → Restart graphics driver (handy if the screen freezes).
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Arrow Key → Move virtual desktops.
Ctrl + Shift + Alt + Esc → Forcefully open Task Manager (rare but useful).
Win + Ctrl + F4 → Close current virtual desktop.
Ctrl + Alt + Del → Security options (lock, sign out, task manager).
Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Directly open Task Manager.
Alt + Shift + Tab → Cycle backwards through open apps.
Ctrl + Shift + T → Reopen last closed tab.
Ctrl + Shift + N → Open incognito/private window.
Ctrl + Shift + Delete → Clear browsing data.
Accidental logouts/restarts: Be cautious with combinations like Command + Control + Power or Ctrl +
Alt + Del.
Shutdown
Alt + F4 (on the desktop) → Opens the shutdown dialog.
Ctrl + Alt + Del → Tab → Enter → Navigate to the power icon and select shutdown.
Win + X → U → U → Quick shutdown via the power user menu.
Restart
Ctrl + Alt + Del → Tab → Enter → Navigate to the power icon and select Restart.
Alt + F4 (on the desktop) → Opens the shutdown dialog → Choose Restart.
Win + X → U → R → Restart via the power user menu.
Press Win + X → M (quickest way). Device Manager
Input Devices
Input devices are the hardware components that allow you to send data and commands into a
computer. They’re essential for interaction, because without them, the computer can’t receive
instructions from the user.
Common Input Devices
Keyboard → For typing text and commands.
Mouse → Pointing, clicking, and navigation.
Microphone → Captures audio input.
Scanner → Converts physical documents into digital form.
Webcam → Captures video and images.
Touchscreen → Direct input by touch gestures.
Joystick/Game Controller → Gaming and simulations.
Graphics Tablet → Drawing and design work.
Light Pen → Precise pointing on screens.
Trackball → Alternative to a mouse.
Biometric Devices → Fingerprint or facial recognition.
Categories of Input Devices
1. Text Input → Keyboard, stylus.
2. Pointing Devices → Mouse, trackpad, joystick.
3. Audio/Visual Input → Microphone, webcam, camera.
4. Data Capture → Barcode reader, scanner.
5. Biometric Input → Fingerprint scanner, iris scanner.
Keyboard ⌨️is one of the most common input devices used with a computer. It allows a user
to enter text, numbers, and commands into the computer.
Main Functions of a Keyboard
Typing text (letters, words, sentences)
Entering numbers
Giving commands to the computer
Using shortcuts (for example: Ctrl + C to copy)
Main Parts / Keys of a Keyboard
1. Alphanumeric Keys – Letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9) used for typing.
2. Function Keys (F1–F12) – Used for special commands depending on the program.
3. Control Keys – Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Esc, Windows key.
4. Navigation Keys – Arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down.
5. Numeric Keypad – A calculator-like section for fast number entry.
Output devices
Output devices are the hardware components that allow a computer to deliver information to the user.
They are the counterpart to input devices, completing the communication cycle by presenting processed
data in a usable form.
Common Output Devices
Monitor/Display → Shows text, images, videos, and graphical interfaces.
Printer → Produces physical copies of digital documents.
Speakers → Output audio such as music, alerts, or voice.
Projector → Enlarges visual output onto a screen or wall.
Headphones/VR Headsets → Provide immersive audio/visual experiences.
Braille Readers → Convert text into tactile output for visually impaired users.
Plotters → Produce large-scale, precise drawings (engineering, architecture).
LED Indicators → Simple status outputs (power lights, notifications).
Categories of Output Devices
1. Visual Output → Monitor, projector, VR headset.
2. Audio Output → Speakers, headphones.
3. Print/Physical Output → Printer, plotter, braille reader.
4. Hybrid Output → Devices that combine multiple forms (e.g., smart displays with
speakers).
Processing Devices
Processing devices are the components inside a computer that handle the actual execution of
instructions and data manipulation. They sit between input and output devices, taking the
information you provide (input), processing it, and then sending results to output devices.
Main Processing Devices
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
o The “brain” of the computer.
o Handles arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.
o Modern CPUs have multiple cores for parallel processing.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
o Specialized for rendering images, video, and complex calculations.
o Widely used in gaming, design, and AI/machine learning.
Storage devices
Storage devices are the components that allow a computer to retain data permanently or
temporarily. They work alongside input, output, and processing devices to complete the
computing cycle by keeping information available for future use.
Primary Types of Storage Devices
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
o Magnetic storage.
o Large capacity, slower than SSDs.
o Common in desktops and older laptops.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
o Flash memory storage.
o Much faster than HDDs.
o More durable (no moving parts).
Optical Discs (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
o Laser-based storage.
o Used for media, backups, and distribution.
USB Flash Drive
o Portable flash memory.
o Easy for transferring files.
Secondary & External Storage
External HDD/SSD → Portable drives for backups and extra capacity.
Memory Cards (SD, microSD) → Used in cameras, phones, and tablets.
Network Attached Storage (NAS) → Shared storage over a network.
Cloud Storage → Online services like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox.
Temporary Storage
RAM (Random Access Memory) → Volatile memory used while processing tasks.
Cache Memory → Ultra-fast memory inside CPU for frequently accessed data.