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Info Center—a Collection of Helpful Information, Tips and Facts:

Windows XP Keyboard Shortcuts

Acronyms

File Extensions

Bits & Bytes

Available Upgrades for Your Computer

Windows XP Keyboard Shortcuts

If you are an average computer user, you rely too much on the mouse for routine tasks. If you type and/or edit manuscripts, in fact, it makes more sense for you to use a keyboard shortcut than to move your hand from the keyboard to the mouse, perform a “clicking” task and then return your hand to the keyboard to resume typing! Here are some common shortcuts for navigating the Windows environment and working within text-based applications.

General Tasks (for the Operating System)

	*To close* a window, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <F4> key.**
	*To display* the Start Menu, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Esc> key.**
	*To get help* for Windows (as well as most applications), press the <F1> key.**
	*To switch* between open applications, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <Tab> key.**

Editing (for Most Applications)

	*To clear or delete* selected text or item(s), press the <Del> key.**
	*To copy* selected text or item(s) to the clipboard, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <C> key.**
	*To cut* out selected text or item(s) and move to the clipboard, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <X> key.**
	*To paste* text or item(s) from clipboard to location of blinking cursor in an application, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <V> key.**
	*To print* a document or selected text/item(s), hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <P> key.**
	*To save* a document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <S> key.**
	To search for or *find* specific text within a document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <F> key.
	*To select* all text and items within a document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <A> key.**
	To convert selected text to bold or back to normal (if already bold), hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <B> key.
	To convert selected text to *Italics* or back to normal (if already italics), hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <I> key.
	To *underline* selected text or remove underline of selected text (if already underlined), hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <U> key.
	*To undo* the last operation or keystroke, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Z> key.**
	*To move the cursor to the beginning* of the document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Home> key.**
	*To move the cursor to the end* of the document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <End> key.**

Internet Explorer

	*To add the current Web page to your Favorites* list, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <D> key.**
	*To find* specific text on the current Web page, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <F> key.**
	*To go back* to the previous Web page, press the <Backspace> key.**
	*To go to your Home* page, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <Home> key.**
	*To refresh* the current Web page, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <R> key.**
	*To show the Favorites* bar, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <I> key.**
	*To show the History* bar, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <H> key.**
	*To immediately stop* downloading a Web page, press the <Esc> key.**

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Acronyms

Regardless of how careful you are, you will inevitably come across at least one computer-related acronym during one of your computing adventures. Here are some of the most common acronyms of the world of computing if you wish to know the meaning of one of those chance encounters or if you simply wish to impress your friends!

API: (Application Program Interface) a component of the operating system that gives the operating system the ability to execute applications.

BIOS: (Basic Input/ Output System) basic instructions embedded on the motherboard that give just enough functionality to the computer to enable the operating system on the hard drive to be installed for advanced operations.

CD-R: (Compact Disc—Recordable) medium for writing data to and reading data from. You can only write to the disc one time. CD-R has data capacity of up to 700 MB and can hold any type of data (video, audio, etc.).

CD-ROM: (Compact Disc—Read-Only Memory) medium with data written to it by the manufacturer/ software company. The computer user cannot write data to this type of disc. CD-ROM has data capacity up to 700 MB and can hold any type of data (video,audio, etc.).

CD-RW: (Compact Disc—Re-Writable) medium for writing data to and reading data from. The computer user can re-write to this media type multiple times (up to approximately 10 times). CD-RW has data capacity up to 700 MB and can hold any type of data (video, audio, etc.).

CPU: (Central Processing Unit) the processor or microprocessor. The CPU is the heart of the computer. All bits are sent to and processed by the CPU.

CRT: (Cathode-Ray Tube) a type of monitor with a large picture tube that gives it the appearance of a traditional picture tube television.

dpi: (dots per inch) describes the resolution (picture quality) of a monitor’s display or of a printer’s output.

DSL: (Digital Subscriber Line) a broadband (high speed) Internet connection, and is considerably faster than a dial-up modem.

DVD: (Digital Versatile Disc) for data (movies, music or any type of file) up to 4.7 GB (single layer) or 9.4 GB (dual layer). DVD-ROM is for pre-recorded data only. DVD-R is for writing to and reading from. DVD-RW is for writing, reading and rewriting data.

FAT: (File Allocation Table); a computer file system architecture that used to be common on most computer systems and is still commonly used for most memory cards, such as those used with digital cameras. For Windows operating systems, NTFS replaced the FAT (specifically FAT32) architecture.

GB: (GigaByte) approximately 1,000,000,000 characters. GB is one of several standard units for rating storage capacity of many media types—hard disk drives, random access memory, etc.

GHz: (GigaHertz) one of several standard units for rating speed of many computing pathways—CPU, memory, motherboard, etc.

GUI: (Graphical User Interface) a component of the operating system that provides visual feedback to computer input/ interaction.

HTML: (HyperText Markup Language) the universal language of the Internet.

IP: (Internet Protocol) global, universally accepted instructions for sending and receiving information over the Internet.

ISP: (Internet Service Provider) a company that provides the equipment and connections to allow subscribers access to the Internet and the World Wide Web.

JPEG: (Joint Photographic Experts Group) a very popular and compact picture file format. Essentially lossless at high resolution compared to tif or bmp.

KB: (KiloByte) approximately 1,000 characters. KB is one of several standard units for rating storage capacity of many media types—hard disk drives, random access memory, etc.

LAN: (Local Area Network) a connection of a small, limited group of computers (hence, "local area"), usually setup within a business or home.

LCD: (Liquid Crystal Display) type of monitor using the same technology as low energy displays of watches and calculators, and is generally packaged as a flat panel monitor, providing a lighter, more compact monitor than the CRT monitor. (Note: an LCD monitor does not necessarily have better dpi or resolution than a CRT monitor, but it uses less electricity, weighs less, takes up less space on the desktop and causes less eye strain.).

MB: (MegaByte) approximately 1,000,000 characters. MB is one of several standard units for rating storage capacity of many media types—hard disk drives, random access memory, etc

MBR: (Master Boot Record or partition sector) the 512-byte boot sector that is the first sector of a partitioned data storage device such as a hard disk. The MBR contains a disk's primary partition table, analogous to a book's table of contents.

MFC: (Multi-Function Center) a phrase first coined by Brother International and now loosely used for all devices of this type. MFC is a single computer peripheral that combines a printer, copier, scanner and FAX machine, or any combination of these.

MHz: (MegaHertz) one of several standard units for rating the speed of many computing pathways—CPU, memory, motherboard, etc.

Modem: (Modulator/ demodulator) a device (dial-up, DSL or cable) that converts output from your computer into packets of data using IP for transmission over the Internet to be received by another computer also outfitted with a modem. The modem also receives and converts data from other computers so that it can be graphically displayed on your monitor screen.

MPEG: (Motion Picture Experts Group) a popular movie clip file format.

NTFS: the standard file system architecture of Windows NT, including its later versions, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. NTFS supersedes the FAT file system architecture.

OEM: (Original Equipment Manufacturer) a designation of hardware initially installed or specifically designed for a computer system.

OS: (Operating System) files containing instructions that provide functionality to the computer (e.g., specific instructions for how data is converted into graphics to be displayed on the monitor or how to manage input from the keyboard and mouse).

PnP: (Plug and Play) a designation for hardware that has a microchip with instructions and a driver for automatic installation/operation once connected to the computer system (e.g., monitors or DVD players).

POP: (Post Office Protocol) a universally accepted standard for packaging and transferring e-mail messages.

POST: (Power On Self Test) a set of simple tests on the BIOS chip for the CPU, random access memory and other critical components of the computer system, which are performed prior to installation of the operating system.

RAM: (Random Access Memory) the microchips that hold temporary data while the computer is powered up. RAM also supports the graphical display.

ROM: (Read-Only Memory) data on a read only medium such as a CD-ROM (i.e., the data is pre-recorded to the medium).

SMTP: (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) a universally accepted standard for packaging and transferring e-mail messages.

TCP/ IP: (Transmission Control Protocol/ InternetProtocol) global, universally accepted instructions for sending and receiving information over the Internet.

URL: (Uniform Resource Locator) a universally accepted format for a Web page’s address.

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File Extensions

One of the most powerful features of e-mailapplications (including Web-based)can also be the most frustrating—sending and receiving attachments. An attachment can be any type of file, which of course is the inherent problem. If you are the recipient of an attachment but do not have the application in which the file was created, you will not be able to openand read the attachment. If you know the file type, though, you might be somewhat inclined to get the appropriate application to open the attachment. This sounds like an easy solution but how can you determine which application is needed to open the file, other than replying angrily to the sender and demanding the name of the application? Simply by looking at the extension, which is the suffix (following the “.”) of a file name and a unique identifier of files created by a specific application or application type. For instance, the file name, bookone.doc, tells us that the file is most probably a Microsoft Worddocument because of the three-letter extension, .doc, an identifier of the Microsoft Word application. Here is a list of the most common extensions and the applicationsthey are associated with in the context of the type of files that would be attached to e-mailmessages—primarily text and multimedia (still-picture, video and audio files).

.aif - audio interchange file for Macintosh audio applications.

.art - clipart file for various applications and operating systems.

.avi - audio video interleave video format file for Microsoft Video for Windows.

.bmp - bit-mapped graphics file (clip art or photograph) for various Windows and OS operating system applications. Quirky memory hogs—choose jpeg when possible.

.doc - document and text files for many word processing applications, such as Microsoft Word (specifically) and Corel WordPerfect.

.eml - e-mail message file for Microsoft Outlook Express.

.eps - encapsulated postscript graphics file for CorelDRAW and VENTURA Publisher.

.exe - executable file that launches or represents various DOS and Windows applications. Malicious files attached to e-mails are often of this type. Therefore, be wary of executable files attached to e-mail messages.

.gif - graphics interchange format file for most graphics applications and especially Web pages, because this format requires lower resolution and, therefore, smaller files than other graphics file formats. For uses other than Web pages, JPEG files are generally the first choice because of higher resolution (i.e., higher quality) capabilities.

.jff - see .JPEG.

.jfi - see .JPEG.

.jfif - see .JPEG.

.jpe - see .JPEG.

.jpeg - (or .JFF, .JFI, .JFIF, .JPE, .JPG or .JTF) joint photographic experts group for Apple’s QuickTime. A graphics file format designed for full-color or gray-scale images, such as photographs, paintings and illustrations. Save any graphics object as a JPEG whenever possible because the file is much smaller than one of other graphics file formats (such as BMP and TIFF) for the same graphics object. The quality of a JPEG graphics object is excellent, especially when compared to a GIF graphics object.

.jpg - see .JPEG. Most common extension of all those listed for JPEG.

.jtf - see .JPEG.

.mac - bit-mapped graphics file for Macintosh MacPaint.

.mid - music file created by the musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) protocol for various music synthesizer applications.

.mov - movie file format for Apple’s QuickTime for Microsoft Windows.

.mp3 - moving pictures experts group’s audio layer 3 file, which sets the standard for digital audio compression for MP3 players.

.mpeg - (or .MPG) animation file by the moving pictures experts group for almost all video viewer applications.

.mpg - see .MPEG.

.pdf - portable, self-contained document file format for Adobe Acrobat Reader or any comparable PDF reader/viewer.

.pic - bit-mapped picture file for PC Paint.

.ra - RealAudio file for RealPlayer from RealNetworks [free Internet download].

.rm - RealMedia file for RealPlayer from RealNetworks [free Internet download].

.rtf - rich text format document file for various word processing applications and operating systems, including NotePad, WordPad, Microsoft Works word processor, Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect.

.shn - “shorten” looseless audio compression, generally considered superior to mp3 (and sometimes .wav) by audiophiles. Functions more like a zip file, though, since it usually cannot be played directly.

.tif - see .TIFF.

.tiff - (or .TIF) tagged image file format for PC and Macintosh computer applications. A format generally used for pixel-based images.

.txt - text file for various word processing applications, including NotePad, WordPad, Microsoft Works word processor, Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect.

.wav - wave audio file for Microsoft audio applications.

.wp - see. WPD.

.wps - (also .WKS) document file for Microsoft Works word processor.

.wpd - (also .WP) Corel WordPerfect document file. WordPerfect is a word processing application, similar to Microsoft Word.

.wks - see .WPS.

.zip - compressed archive file for PKZIP utility from PKWare or WinZip from WinZip International LLC.

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Bits & Bytes

The sizes or capacities of many computer components or storage devices (e.g., system memory, flash drive and hard drive) are defined by terms such as MB or GB. To understand these terms, we must first begin with the basic computing unit, bit, and then build on that definition

A bit represents a single on/off switch within the microprocessor, which is the premise of computer functioning and computer language—the language of the CPU!

A byte is a set of eight bits and approximately represents a single character or letter (for example: %, 2, p, or #). A byte of eight bits with one of two possibilities each represents 256 possible combinations of “on” and “off” bits (2⁸ = 256).

A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes but for defining information storage, it is generally rounded down to 1,000 bytes.

A megabyte (MB) is 1,024 x 1,024 = 1,048,576 bytes but for defining information storage, it is generally rounded down to 1,000,000 bytes.

A gigabyte is 1,024 x 1,024 x 1,024 = 1,073,741,824 bytes but for defining information storage, it is generally rounded down to 1,000,000,000 bytes.

A terabyte (TB) is 1,024 x 1,024 x 1,024 x 1,024 = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes but for defining information storage, it is generally rounded down to 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.

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To close a window, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <F4> key.

To display the Start Menu, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Esc> key.

To get help for Windows (as well as most applications), press the <F1> key.

To switch between open applications, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <Tab> key.

Editing (for Most Applications)

To clear or delete selected text or item(s), press the <Del> key.

To copy selected text or item(s) to the clipboard, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <C> key.

To cut out selected text or item(s) and move to the clipboard, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <X> key.

To paste text or item(s) from clipboard to location of blinking cursor in an application, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <V> key.

To print a document or selected text/item(s), hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <P> key.

To save a document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <S> key.

To select all text and items within a document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <A> key.

To undo the last operation or keystroke, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Z> key.

To move the cursor to the beginning of the document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Home> key.

To move the cursor to the end of the document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <End> key.

Internet Explorer

To add the current Web page to your Favorites list, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <D> key.

To find specific text on the current Web page, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <F> key.

To go back to the previous Web page, press the <Backspace> key.

To go to your Home page, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <Home> key.

To refresh the current Web page, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <R> key.

To show the Favorites bar, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <I> key.

To show the History bar, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <H> key.

To immediately stop downloading a Web page, press the <Esc> key.

API: (Application Program Interface) a component of the operating system that gives the operating system the ability to execute applications.

CD-ROM: (Compact Disc—Read-Only Memory) medium with data written to it by the manufacturer/ software company. The computer user cannot write data to this type of disc. CD-ROM has data capacity up to 700 MB and can hold any type of data (video,audio, etc.).

CD-RW: (Compact Disc—Re-Writable) medium for writing data to and reading data from. The computer user can re-write to this media type multiple times (up to approximately 10 times). CD-RW has data capacity up to 700 MB and can hold any type of data (video, audio, etc.).

CPU: (Central Processing Unit) the processor or microprocessor. The CPU is the heart of the computer. All bits are sent to and processed by the CPU.

CRT: (Cathode-Ray Tube) a type of monitor with a large picture tube that gives it the appearance of a traditional picture tube television.

dpi: (dots per inch) describes the resolution (picture quality) of a monitor’s display or of a printer’s output.

DSL: (Digital Subscriber Line) a broadband (high speed) Internet connection, and is considerably faster than a dial-up modem.

DVD: (Digital Versatile Disc) for data (movies, music or any type of file) up to 4.7 GB (single layer) or 9.4 GB (dual layer). DVD-ROM is for pre-recorded data only. DVD-R is for writing to and reading from. DVD-RW is for writing, reading and rewriting data.

FAT: (File Allocation Table); a computer file system architecture that used to be common on most computer systems and is still commonly used for most memory cards, such as those used with digital cameras. For Windows operating systems, NTFS replaced the FAT (specifically FAT32) architecture.

GB: (GigaByte) approximately 1,000,000,000 characters. GB is one of several standard units for rating storage capacity of many media types—hard disk drives, random access memory, etc.

GHz: (GigaHertz) one of several standard units for rating speed of many computing pathways—CPU, memory, motherboard, etc.

GUI: (Graphical User Interface) a component of the operating system that provides visual feedback to computer input/ interaction.

HTML: (HyperText Markup Language) the universal language of the Internet.

IP: (Internet Protocol) global, universally accepted instructions for sending and receiving information over the Internet.

ISP: (Internet Service Provider) a company that provides the equipment and connections to allow subscribers access to the Internet and the World Wide Web.

JPEG: (Joint Photographic Experts Group) a very popular and compact picture file format. Essentially lossless at high resolution compared to tif or bmp.

KB: (KiloByte) approximately 1,000 characters. KB is one of several standard units for rating storage capacity of many media types—hard disk drives, random access memory, etc.

LAN: (Local Area Network) a connection of a small, limited group of computers (hence, "local area"), usually setup within a business or home.

MB: (MegaByte) approximately 1,000,000 characters. MB is one of several standard units for rating storage capacity of many media types—hard disk drives, random access memory, etc

MBR: (Master Boot Record or partition sector) the 512-byte boot sector that is the first sector of a partitioned data storage device such as a hard disk. The MBR contains a disk's primary partition table, analogous to a book's table of contents.

MHz: (MegaHertz) one of several standard units for rating the speed of many computing pathways—CPU, memory, motherboard, etc.

MPEG: (Motion Picture Experts Group) a popular movie clip file format.

NTFS: the standard file system architecture of Windows NT, including its later versions, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. NTFS supersedes the FAT file system architecture.

OEM: (Original Equipment Manufacturer) a designation of hardware initially installed or specifically designed for a computer system.

OS: (Operating System) files containing instructions that provide functionality to the computer (e.g., specific instructions for how data is converted into graphics to be displayed on the monitor or how to manage input from the keyboard and mouse).

PnP: (Plug and Play) a designation for hardware that has a microchip with instructions and a driver for automatic installation/operation once connected to the computer system (e.g., monitors or DVD players).

POP: (Post Office Protocol) a universally accepted standard for packaging and transferring e-mail messages.

POST: (Power On Self Test) a set of simple tests on the BIOS chip for the CPU, random access memory and other critical components of the computer system, which are performed prior to installation of the operating system.

RAM: (Random Access Memory) the microchips that hold temporary data while the computer is powered up. RAM also supports the graphical display.

ROM: (Read-Only Memory) data on a read only medium such as a CD-ROM (i.e., the data is pre-recorded to the medium).

SMTP: (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) a universally accepted standard for packaging and transferring e-mail messages.

TCP/ IP: (Transmission Control Protocol/ InternetProtocol) global, universally accepted instructions for sending and receiving information over the Internet.

The sizes or capacities of many computer components or storage devices (e.g., system memory, flash drive and hard drive) are defined by terms such as MB or GB. To understand these terms, we must first begin with the basic computing unit, bit, and then build on that definition

A bit represents a single on/off switch within the microprocessor, which is the premise of computer functioning and computer language—the language of the CPU!

A byte is a set of eight bits and approximately represents a single character or letter (for example: %, 2, p, or #). A byte of eight bits with one of two possibilities each represents 256 possible combinations of “on” and “off” bits (28 = 256).

A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes but for defining information storage, it is generally rounded down to 1,000 bytes.

A megabyte (MB) is 1,024 x 1,024 = 1,048,576 bytes but for defining information storage, it is generally rounded down to 1,000,000 bytes.

Copyright © 2010 - Adventures in Personal Computing

**To close a window, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <F4> key.**

**To display the Start Menu, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Esc> key.**

**To get help for Windows (as well as most applications), press the <F1> key.**

**To switch between open applications, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <Tab> key.**

**To clear or delete selected text or item(s), press the <Del> key.**

**To copy selected text or item(s) to the clipboard, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <C> key.**

**To cut out selected text or item(s) and move to the clipboard, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <X> key.**

**To paste text or item(s) from clipboard to location of blinking cursor in an application, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <V> key.**

**To print a document or selected text/item(s), hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <P> key.**

**To save a document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <S> key.**

**To select all text and items within a document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <A> key.**

**To undo the last operation or keystroke, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Z> key.**

**To move the cursor to the beginning of the document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <Home> key.**

**To move the cursor to the end of the document, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <End> key.**

**To add the current Web page to your Favorites list, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <D> key.**

**To find specific text on the current Web page, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <F> key.**

**To go back to the previous Web page, press the <Backspace> key.**

**To go to your Home page, hold down the <Alt> key and press the <Home> key.**

**To refresh the current Web page, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <R> key.**

**To show the Favorites bar, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <I> key.**

**To show the History bar, hold down the <Ctrl> key and press the <H> key.**

**To immediately stop downloading a Web page, press the <Esc> key.**

A byte is a set of eight bits and approximately represents a single character or letter (for example: %, 2, p, or #). A byte of eight bits with one of two possibilities each represents 256 possible combinations of “on” and “off” bits (2⁸ = 256).