CertiGuide to A+ (Operating Systems)  9  Chapter 0000:  How to Get There       9  IV  Windows, Mice and Keyboards

Shortcut Keys 1 Windows Key Shortcuts and Key Combinations

The Windows key is a key found on most of the newer keyboards or so-called Internet keyboards. Pressing this key will display the Start Menu for Windows, activating the desktop and Operating System menu, which can also be activated by clicking our mouse on the Start button icon, or using the Alt-Esc key combination.

The Start button is found most usually (by default) in the lower left hand corner of the desktop screen. If you place your cursor (mouse pointer) over this start button and use a single right mouse click, a menu of options appears. They are Open, Explore, Find.

To be sure we are on the desktop, rather than in a program Window, look for the cursor ç. If nothing is happening, left clicking the mouse in an empty area (area without an icon) of the desktop once will activate the desktop.

When you right click, you will see a menu of options for the desktop as shown in Figure 14.

8 Practice right clicking the menu options

The Start menu of programs can be rearranged to suit. To do this, go to Start, then choose the Taskbar and Start Menu.

A screen similar to the one shown in Figure 15 will appear.

From this Window, Start Menu Programs can be arranged or removed to suit.

8 Practice arranging the Start Menu

As we go along, we will learn a bit more about how to use these basic keys, as well as a few others.

Shortcut Keys 1 Windows Key Shortcuts and Key Combinations