CertiGuide to A+ (A+ 4 Real)  9  Chapter 1: What are Operating Systems and How Do They Work?       9  Operating System Features

Mouse Cursors 1 The Tab Key

The keyboard shown below is an example of a keyboard designed for use with a Windows Operating System. Becoming familiar with the various keys will make a difference in the speed and efficiency with which you can work through documents, manipulate the operating system or surf the Internet.

Notice the key to the left of the space bar that shows the Windows icon. When pressed, this key will cause the Start menu to open. For users without a Windows key on their keyboard, pressing the Control (CTRL) and Escape (ESC) keys together will produce the same result.

You may be wondering why these keyboard shortcuts are important, on the basis that all of them can be reproduced using the mouse. As mentioned previously, when the mouse fails (either through hardware failure or software configuration issues) we need to know how to control Windows with the keyboard alone. Being based entirely on a GUI is a curse as well as a blessing for an operating system. In addition, you may find that it is faster for you to do certain actions with the mouse, and certain ones with the keyboard. As an A+ technician, you may one day have to troubleshoot a system with a malfunctioning mouse. Knowing how to use all the available options effectively can be an asset.

Mouse Cursors 1 The Tab Key