Top computer habits
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘tidy home, tidy mind’ and the same should go for our PC or laptop! When you’re getting down to work, having things where they should be and knowing all the tips, tricks and shortcuts will make the process a lot less stressful.
1. Check off your items
If you’re working away from your home, a checklist is a great way to help you remember all of the items you need to have to complete the work. You’ll have the basic things such as your computer, mouse and battery but you can also add things such as headphones, memory sticks and Wi-Fi passwords. You can then keep the list in your tidy computer bag along with the rest of your items.
2. Create your work space
Finding the perfect place that will get the creative juices flowing is very important! The best space would be a desk or table in a quiet room that is big enough for you to spread out on and have everything you need. You should also try and find somewhere that has adjustable lighting so you can work at any time, and somewhere that has a plug available nearby for your power supply.
3. Create folders
If you open up your computer to a desktop covered in files, folders and documents, it’s going to give you a headache before you’ve even started working. Creating a folder system that you can file away documents into and categorise your work will help keep things tidy and clean and also help you find exactly what you’re looking for when you need it.
4. Use bookmarks
If you’re doing a lot of online research, using bookmarks will allow you to open up the pages you need in one click, rather than wasting time browsing the web. As well as current websites you’re looking at, you can also bookmark any useful ones you have come across that you think might come in handy again in the future.
5. Save and remember your passwords
Lots of websites now will ask you when you log in if you want them to remember your information. If you choose yes, this will mean that the next time you go back to that site, it will remember your email and password and log you in without you having to type anything in, saving you loads of time.
6. Password protect your documents
If you’re worried about your files being secure, you should add a password to them. You can do this by right clicking the file and choosing properties, then selecting advanced on the attributes section and clicking ‘Encrypt contents to secure data’. This is definitely a must if you create a document to help you remember all of the passwords you use.
7. Save your documents
You never know when your computer might crash or your power might run out, so always make sure you save as you go. The last thing you want is to be right at the end of a document you’ve been working on for hours and to lose it!
8. Use keyboard shortcuts
Some of the best keyboard shortcuts to speed up your time on the computer are:
- Ctrl and A = Selects everything in the document
- Ctrl and B = Makes the highlighted text bold
- Ctrl and C = Copies the highlighted text
- Ctrl and F = Will allow you to search within the document or website page
- Ctrl and I = Makes the highlighted text italic
- Ctrl and K = Makes a hyperlink
- Ctrl and N = Makes a new document
- Ctrl and P = Prints a document or page
- Ctrl and S = Saves a document
- Ctrl and U = Makes the highlighted text underlined
- Ctrl and V = Pastes copied text
- Ctrl and X = Cuts highlighted text
- Ctrl and Y = Redoes an action
- Ctrl and Z = Undoes an action
- Ctrl and Alt and Delete = Lock a computer
- Ctrl and Alt and T = Opens a closed tab
- Alt and Tab = Switch between open programmes
9. Shut down correctly
If you’re using a USB stick or a memory card, don’t forget to eject it first rather than just pulling it out. You can do this by right clicking on its icon on the computer and choosing eject. This will stop any damage or corruption happening and will safely remove it from the computer. Once you’re finally done on the computer, remember to power it down to help the battery cool down and recover for next time. If you’re working remotely, don’t forget to use your checklist to make sure you’re taking everything with you.
Being digital tech savvy can not only help you in your personal life but also in your work life. It can improve business prospects, shape the development of a company and influence the way people operate! Our Digital & Technology Solutions degree at CU Coventry, CU London and CU Scarborough will prepare you with the knowledge and professional skills needed for the technological jobs of today.