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What is a computer hint or shortcut that everyone should know? (all OS welcome!)

My contribution:

Search windows for "msconfig" if you want to change the programs that load when your windows loads. For older or weaker PCs this can increase performance significantly.

8 years ago by canuck with 14 comments

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  • duc
    +6

    Sort of an obscure one on Windows that I found recently. Windows Key + Left (Right etc.. arrow keys) will auto tile windows. Windows + Down Arrow first restores then minimizes the window too.

    THis doesn't exactly make it a tiling window manager which I wish I could use properly on Windows (I tried bug.n) but it's good for tiling two windows side by side to take a quick look for comparison or reference.

    • baron778
      +2

      Cool I didn't know this one, thanks!

  • Sephsta (edited 8 years ago)
    +5

    CTRL + Tab - Jump to next 'field'

    CTRL, Shift + Tab Jump back a 'field'

    • drunkenninja
      +2

      I can't believe I didn't know this one! Love how it works with "tabs" in Chrome.

  • giblue
    +4

    CTL+SHIFT+T in a browser to re-open the most recently closed tab

  • Caio
    +4

    Every Linux user should know about REISUB which let's you safely reboot even if the system is otherwise completely unusable.

    Hold down the Alt and SysRq (Print Screen) keys.

    While holding those down, type the following keys in order, several seconds apart: REISUB

    Computer should reboot.

  • titanlegions
    +3

    Alt-tab to switch between apps. (cmd-tab on the Mac). Easily the shortcut that will save you the most time overall.

    Hold down alt (cmd for Mac) and press tab repeatedly to cycle through your most recently active apps. On Windows it cycles through windows, on mac it cycles through apps. (You can cycle through the current app's windows on the Mac with cmd-`). Add shift to go backwards.

  • Gozzin
    +2

    Linux: Jump between virtual desktops Left or right arrows while holding down super key .

    • remez
      +2

      Add Shift (or, sometimes, Alt) to move the active window between desktops.

  • capoti
    +2

    F6 selects the browser's address bar.

  • plastico (edited 8 years ago)
    +2

    Windows Key + L is a must when leaving the PC unattended in public places for a while.

    Alt + F4 when in the desktop is also cool, saves the trouble of navigating to the shutdown menu.

    Windows Key + S in Windows 8 and above allows you to open anything really quickly.

    • remez
      +3

      Windows Key + M minimizes current window.

  • VenStroto90
    +1

    Ctrl+Alt+Delete in case if a program freezes.

  • TheDylantula
    +1

    On Windows (at least 8 and 10) grabbing a windows by the title bar and shaking it will minimize all windows except the one you are holding.