User:Pegeraki/HB Computer
WolfTech Webteam Handbook
Your Computer
When you begin working with the Wolftech Webteam, you will be assigned a computer to complete your tasks. Your computer should already have any necessary software installed. This includes IE, Firefox, AIM, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Notepad, etc. If a program you think you should have is not installed on your computer, go ask Margaret about it.
Shortcut Keys
Laziness is often the driving force behind many innovations, computer programs are no exception. I am sure you have found yourself rolling through some task wondering if there were a quicker, easier way to do something. Well, most programs have keystroke sequences that allow you to perform many common tasks without having to lift your hands from the keyboard. Learning the shortcuts for programs you use most often can save you a lot of time.
Most shortcuts are made by holding down the "Control" or "Alternate" key, followed by pressing a second key. The "Control" key is labeled "Ctrl" and is found in the lower corners of the main section of your keyboard. The "Alternate" key is marked "Alt" and is found two or three keys away from "Control." In many help texts, you will find that "Control" is abbreviated with the carat symbol ^. In addition, the Function keys, F1-F12 along the top of the keyboard, will often serve as shortcuts.
Universal Shortcuts
Universal shortcuts are key combinations which will work in practically every application. They will also work in the operating system. These sohrtcuts are:
^c - Copy | ^s - Save | ^z - Undo | ^n - New |
^x - Cut | ^o - Open | ^y - Redo | ^f - Find |
^v - Paste | ^p - Print | ^a - Select All | F1 - Help |
Application-Specific Shortcuts
Every application you use will have its own set of shortcuts for tasks unique to that application. For instance, almost every word-processor you will use contains the shortcuts ^b for bold, ^i for italics, and ^u for underline. Of course, these key combinations may mean something totally different, or nothing at all, in another program.
Some shortcuts are very specific to their applications. For instance, in Photoshop, pressing ^e will merge the layer you are working on with the one below it. Whole holding the "Shift" key, pressing ^e will will merge all visible layers. This function has no purpose in any other application besides Photoshop. However, merging layers is a frequent activity in Photoshop and this shortcut comes in quite handy.
The best way to find and start using shortcuts is to pay attention to the pulldown menus in each application. Whenever you see a listing like "Ctrl+o" in the pulldown menu, the associated task listed to the left can be accomplished with that shortcut.
Password Complexity
I know you've heard it before, but keeping your password secure is of the utmost importance. When selecting a password for your Wolftech and Unity accounts, try to keep it complex. Your password should have numbers, upper case symbols, and lower case symbols in order to help prevent password theft. Also, keep it unique, but relevent to yourself. You don't want your password to be so complex that you won't be able to remember it.