If you want your business to not only survive but thrive, you must be tech savvy. Technological innovation is inevitable-there is no getting around it-and as time progresses, both our personal and work lives will become even further entangled in the world of technology. For this reason, embracing technological change is a necessity if you wish to stay ahead of the curve.
When it comes to computers, very few people realize how many commands and tasks they are capable of performing which will speed up workflow and optimize their work process. If you take the time to familiarize yourself with your computer, you will be amazed by how many things you never knew your machine could do. Below, you will find some of the best tech trips you need to keep in your back pocket.
Keyboard Shortcuts
While you likely know how to cut and paste, odds are you are unaware of all the keyboard shortcuts that can speed up typing or systems navigation. In Windows, some important shortcuts include:
- Alt + F - File menu options in the current program
- Alt + F4 - Close current program
- Alt + Tab - Switch between open programs
- Ctrl + A - Select all text
- Ctrl + F - Find window for current document or window
- Ctrl + K - Insert a hyperlink into text
- Ctrl + P - Print current page
- Ctrl + S - Save the current document
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Open Windows Task Manager
- Ctrl + Y - Redo the last action
- Ctrl + Z - Undo the last action
If you are a Mac user, check out this article for some similar keyboard shortcuts.
Partition Your Hard Drive
Computers typically have one physical hard disk drive known as "C: drive." Few people are aware of the fact that you can have a partition hard drive, which means simply splitting the hard disk into logical disks that your computer will view as separate drives. Partitions protect your computer and data in the case of a system failure; they allow you to use multiple operating systems on the same computer, they improve performance, and they allow you to organize your data in a clear fashion. While it may take a little time and research to perform this, the benefits to multiple partitions far exceed the time costs required to get them set up and going.
IFTTT
One of the best tech tools that will upgrade your work life is IFTTT. This abbreviation stands for "If this then that," and is meant to increase workflow and organization. IFTTT was created because apps, devices, and internet commands often run into conflict with one another, leading to errors and slowdowns. This tool lets you organize your activities, automate tasks, send reminders and notifications, and help you manage and optimize your workflow.
Create a Control Panel Shortcut
You likely were unaware of the fact that you can enter a command and create an entire list of clickable control panel shortcuts. If you are on a Windows PC, create a new folder wherever you feel like. Once you have created it, name it, "Control Panel Shortcuts.{ed7ba470-8e54-465e-825c-99712043e01c}." You will gain access to the entire control panel shortcuts from a single place within the folder, which makes operating your computer infinitely easier.
Utilize a Paperless File Box
One of the most important tools from the 5 must-have tech tools list is Evernote. Evernote is an organizational powerhouse app that lets you capture ideas, order tasks, and manage files and data. This app is meant to be a digital file box, allowing you to scan and keep important papers, notes, contracts, presentations, and just about anything else your business needs to protect.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions can exponentially increase workflow and speed up searches. Check out this list of browser extensions with add-ons that can customize and prioritize pages, improve your search history, organize your files, or take notes instantly.
Conclusion
By familiarizing yourself with your computer and understanding its capabilities, you can open up a whole world of tools that you would never have known were just waiting to be used. Check out these tech tricks, and you will be sure to optimize your workflow and organization.
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