There are so many tips, tricks and life-hacks when it comes to using your computer that it is impossible to memorize them all! Here are five that make my life easier on a daily basis and hopefully help you, too!
1. Taking A Screenshot
There are lots of programs out there that one can use to take a picture of the screen. This method involves opening a program, dragging an area to capture and choosing the location to save it to. Did you know there is a button right on you keyboard that does it in one click? The “Print Screen” key actually has a use! Just tap it!
2. Undo
Almost every computer program, web browser and even OS (Windows, MAC
and Linux) agree that CTRL + Z is used to undo that last action.
Sometimes while editing a photo, writing up a large document, etc. I will
make a huge mistake - like deleting an entire page in one click. Panic
sets in, and then I remember holding down the CTRL key and pressing Z will save the day.
3. Window Snapping
One of the features being introduced recently in Windows 11 is snapping windows to the top, bottom, left and right of the screen. This has been around for over a decade on Linux operating systems, known as Tiling Windows. Just grab the tab or window and drag it where you want and it should snap automatically.
4. Night Mode
Staring at a screen in a dark room can cause serious eye strain and migraines. A feature that has come out recently is Night Mode. Basically, it dims the blue light and reduces the discomfort. Windows, Mac, Linux and even most phones have this feature. If your phone lacks this option, worry not, there are plenty of apps that will take care of it.
5. Limiting Startup Programs
Some computers seem to take forever to boot up after being turned on or after a restart! This is usually caused by many unnecessary programs starting when when the computer starts. Some good examples are Zoom, iTunes Helper, Adobe Reader and Microsoft Office. Most of the time we just want to open a browser to check the email, watch some YouTube or scroll on Facebook. We don’t need all the other apps slowing down the startup and slowing down the computer in general while they run in the background.
On Windows open the Task Manager, click the Startup tab and disable everything you don’t need.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Login Items on the right. Remove what’s not needed.
Hopefully these tips will save you some time and frustration.