Latest Updates Regarding Computers

Using keyboard commands

What can be done if the mouse goes kaput right in the middle of something you need to save?You might find this hard to believe. But there was a time when computers didn't have mice. You used the keyboard.

Nearly everything you need can be accomplished from the keyboard. I've known older secretaries who didn't use a mouse. They fly with the keyboard.
Keyboard commands are similar in most programs. I'll use Microsoft Word as an example.

If the mouse should die, you could save the document with Ctrl + S. If the document has not previously been saved, you'll get Save As. Otherwise, it will just save it.
If you want to save and close the document, use Ctrl + W. You'll get a small window, asking if you want to save. "Yes" is highlighted. Press Enter. The document will be saved and closed.
If the mouse dies, you may just need batteries. That's assuming it's an optical mouse. Otherwise, your computer may be going with the mouse. If so, you may not be able to save anything. But you could still retrieve most of your document.

That's because Word can save documents automatically as you work. Assuming that feature is activated, the document will be available when you next boot up. To activate it in Word 2007, click the Office button at top left. Select Word Options. Select Save. Check "Save Autorecover information every [blank] minutes."

I have this feature set to save every minute. Saving a document takes some resources. So it could slow you as you work. But it's worth the trouble. Besides, most computers today have an abundance of power. You probably won't notice when a document is saved.
In Word 2003, click Tools>>Options. Select the Save tab. Click "Save AutoRecover info every:" Make the setting one minute.

Other Microsoft Office programs have similar settings. You may find them in offerings from other companies, too.
Using the keyboard is really a lost art. But the commands are still around. Microsoft has long lists on its site for Vista and XP. Check 'em out.