Save time. TechProGuild members can download
the preformatted, ready-to-print version of this FastAnswer handout. The next
time the problem arises in your organization, simply print and distribute the
file directly to end users or members of your IT staff.

The problem

Many tasks in Microsoft Word can be accomplished using
keystroke combinations rather than pointing and clicking the mouse. Remembering
these keystrokes can be difficult.

The cause

Back in the days of DOS, whenever users wanted to do
something like change a font or print they had to remember arcane keyboard
combinations. Windows made applications easier to learn by implementing a GUI
and drop down menus requiring the use of a mouse. This made applications easier
to learn but a little less efficient, because it forced the user to let go of
the keyboard to accomplish simple tasks. Knowing the proper keyboard commands
allows users to quickly do things without having to reach for the mouse.

Provide your feedback on this version

This is a version of one of TechProGuild’s new FastAnswer
handouts. The PDF download aims to save you time by eliminating the need to repeatedly research common
questions and providing you with a preformatted, step-by-step solution you can
pass directly to users or staff. Please send your comments and any recommended
revisions to Erik Eckel.

The solution

Microsoft didn’t completely do away with the keyboard
combinations used in old DOS word processing programs. Some of the most
important Microsoft Word keyboard shortcuts you can use include:

Alternative solutions

This chart includes only a partial list of the keyboard
shortcuts available in Microsoft Word. For a complete list, you can either
check the Help function in Microsoft Word or check out Microsoft’s
Web Site. You can obtain Excel shortcut information from
TechRepublic’s Quick Reference: Microsoft Office Pack.