Sep 2015
Ever wonder if there certain shortcuts or programs that would help improve productivity or make troubleshooting a computer issue easier? Whether you are a Mac or PC user, there is always something to learn about your desktop or laptop. Some of these features may not be available on older operating systems or may be present in a different form.
Mac
How to Right Click with Trackpad or Magic Mouse
Some new Mac users get frustrated that they are not able to right-click. Fortunately, trackpad and magic mouse users can easily change their settings under system preferences.
For those using a trackpad:
Open system preferences, click on Trackpad.
Once you click there, you will be presented with a few options. Enable secondary click. From there, you can either set two fingers, or pick a corner to represent right click.
For those using Magic Mouse:
Under your system preferences, click on Mouse.
Enable secondary click and select click on right side. This will allow you to right click like on a regular mouse.
Hot Corners
Hot corners allow you to control your desktop by moving your cursor to one of four corners on your screen. To control your hot corners, go to System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver, Screen Saver.
Then click on Hot Corners… in the bottom right corner.
From here, you will be able to select from a variety of options that can be applied to each corner of your screen. These include:
- Start/Disable Screensaver
- Mission Control (shows all windows open across all applications)
- Application Windows (shows all windows open in the application you are currently using)
- Desktop (clears windows so you can access desktop, returns windows when completed)
- Dashboard (will show widgets and calendar)
- Notification Center (will show updates and news from apps installed, just like on iOS)
Run Multiple Desktops, All At Once
On newer operating systems, mac users can create multiple desktops and dedicate a specific desktop for a specific app, like one tab for your e-mail and one for the Internet. This works for those who use a monitor as a second screen and those who only have one screen.
For trackpad users, simply use three fingers and swipe to the left or right to change desktops. Magic mouse users will only need two fingers.
For those on a desktop without magic mouse or a trackpad, hit F3to activate mission control.
Windows
Shake It Off
Introduced in Windows 7, the “aero shake” feature will allow you to minimize every single window but the one you are working in. Simply grab the window and give it a few quick shakes to the left and right. This will minimize other programs, and allow you easy access to the desktop. This is a great tool for multi-taskers looking to clear the clutter when working on multiple projects.
Quick Launch
Instead of hitting the windows button and sorting through your programs, quick launch allows you to start a program by simply clicking an icon to your toolbar. All you need to do to add a new program to your tool bar is drag the program down from your start menu to your toolbar.
Record Your Steps When Having an Issue
If you run into an issue and want to show your IT services team where and when you are seeing issues, there is an easy way to do so. The Problem Steps Recorder tool is available for computers running Windows 7 or 8 and creates a slideshow based on the steps you take to get to an issue. To start this program, go to the windows button and search for “psr” in the search bar.
A bar will then appear on your screen with the option to start recording. Simply hit Start Record and go through every step you take before encountering an issue. This feature could make your troubleshooting process easier.
Looking for more ways to boost your tech knowledge?