Efficiency Tip #1

This relates back to my post on efficient use of computers last week. I have noticed that some of the things I do every day, other people never do. I am always amazed at the number of people who are not aware of basic time-saving shortcuts.

Many of these tips will not involve the mouse. Right now I am typing. I spend most of my time at the computer typing. If I can do something without chasing down a mouse (my hands are not on the mouse when I type), it will save me time. The Windows Key is a handy shortcut to the Start menu that doesn’t require touching the mouse.

Something I do many times every day is open a web browser. If your computer is setup with the default settings, your browser is the top icon in the pinned list (the icons at the top of the Start menu). Here is how I usually open a browser, if I am typing at the keyboard.

Windows Key
Down Arrow
Enter

With a little practice the whole process takes about a second. You can open the browser without the mouse and use the time required for the browser to open to find the mouse. By the time the browser opens, you are ready to browse.

I don’t know how many little tips I can come up with, but I plan to add one every day until I run out. Let’s see how long I can go.