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As an initial know-how about computer literacy, we decided to give you some techniques on using your computer keyboard, especially if your computer mouse does not work correctly and properly. As an example, supposed you want to quit using your computer but you cannot click the Start Button because it is missing or your computer mouse doesn’t work due to mechanical failure – will you merely switch off the power control that can cause a hard disk crash that may disable your access to your computer? If you don’t know how to shutdown using the keyboard, then you may end up destroying or disabling your computer. There are hot keys in your keyboard like pressing the one with Windows picture (usually located between <Ctrl> and <Alt> keys, called Win-Key) will let you go directly to the Start Menu and pressing the down arrow will allow you to move to where you want to access like “Turn Off Computer” or you can press at the same time <Alt> + <F4>, but you have to close all open windows first by pressing <Alt> + <F4> also.

Sometimes you need to activate the right click of the mouse but it’s not working, a work around is press <Shift> + <F10> to activate equivalent to pressing the mouse right click. Some of the useful key stroke that is very helpful, especially if your mouse is not functioning:
To launch Windows Explorer: <Win-Key> + <E>
To open Search or Find Dialog Box: <Win-Key> + <F>
To cycle opening of various windows: <Alt> + <Tab>
To minimized all open windows: <Win-Key> + <M> OR <Win-Key> + <D>
To open System Properties: <Win-Key> + <Break/Pause>

Regarding editing: <Ctrl> + <X> -removing selected items, <Ctrl> + <C> -to copy selected item, <Ctrl> + <V> -to insert the contents

Consider these figures on trends in the uptake of computer literacy: Computer literacy is the knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently. Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using computer programs and other applications that are associated with computers.

Net Literacy has increased computer access to over 6,000,000 individuals over the past 1-year alone.

Participant’s ratings on all statements regarding observing the use of keyboard in social situations were correlated with their report of the percentage of time they use keyboard for issuing commands. I think it is safe to say that the humanities have completely ignored the above knowledge. Probably because they are sending the wrong signals, an educated person says that learning capability of the young ones are hindered by those involved in the technology.

If you want to suggest a topic, for the computer technology writer to be discussed, please e-mail me at 2005.dennis@gmail.com (note, there is a dot between 2005 and dennis). If you want to learn more, please study under our computer tutorial at Room 401, 4/F Sunny House, Alley-alley #2, Central.  Happy reading to all!

Author: Dennis Madlangbayan

*Published in TF Newsmag (September 2008 issue)