This week’s tip applies throughout Windows and most application programs: a quicker way to Copy / Paste or Cut / Paste using shortcut keys, and a shortcut key method for switching between application windows.

 

You may or may not be already familiar with Copy / Paste or Cut / Paste in Windows. This involves a four-step procedure that you can learn to do without much thinking:

1.      Select the text or graphic that you want to move or copy.

2.      Cut (move) or Copy.

3.      Position to where you want to be place it. This can be in the same document or another document (even in another application program).

4.      Paste.

 

After selecting or highlighting, what technique are you using to copy/cut? There are several, all do the same, it’s up to you which is best:

·         Click the toolbar button for Cut or Copy.

·         Click Edit Cut or Edit Copy.

·         Right-click in the selected area and choose Cut or Copy.

·         Press the Ctrl key as you press X (cut) or C (copy).

 

Note: The technique of using Ctrl X or Ctrl C shortcut keys is by far my favorite, for several reasons:

1.      I don’t need to remove my hands from the keyboard.

2.      I can do it anywhere: I don’t need to have a menu or toolbar available.

3.      It is fastest. I don’t waste my time moving the mouse pointer back and forth or refocusing my eyes.