Windows and Mac tricks you'll use all the time

There are some tech tricks that you only know if someone clues you in.

Take the humble USB cord. If you’re constantly plugging in the wrong way, here’s the secret: The symbol on one isn’t just branding or decoration. That symbol will point up if you’re plugging in horizontally. If you plug a cable vertically, the USB symbol will face you.

I love passing along clever tech tricks you’ll use time and time again. Here are a few goodies!

Use a Windows PC?

Let’s keep it simple with keyboard shortcuts you need to know on Windows.

Pro tip: Learning a new shortcut takes time. Yes, sometimes you use Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste, and it is now second nature. Pick one (or more) of the tricks below and try it out. Use it a few times, and it’ll become second nature in no time.

  • Windows + Shift + S brings up the screenshot tool. Drag the box that pops up and, voilà, a screenshot of whatever you want. It’s so much easier to send a screenshot (and even mark it up to show your recipient something) than trying to explain in words.
  • Looking for a file? Hit the Windows key and start typing the name. That’s it. So simple and it saves so much time.
  • Pressing the Windows key and “.” (period key) together opens the emoji picker. You can easily insert emojis into documents, messages or any other text field. The emoji picker also includes symbols and special characters.

For Mac folks

Do you use your laptop for work and personal life, or share your MacBook with someone else? There’s a genius way to keep your accounts separate.

Set up different user accounts attached to different fingerprints. Maybe your work profile uses your pointer finger and your personal account uses your ring finger. Or you and your spouse have your fingerprints linked to your own accounts.

Hit the Apple menu > System Settings > Touch ID & Password to set these up. You can save up to five fingerprints and have three active ones. From this screen, you can also choose what Touch ID can do, including unlocking the computer, using Apple Pay, and auto-filling passwords.

Now, onto some great keyboard shortcuts for you, too.

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Google trick: Shortcuts to quickly open Docs, Sheets and your calendar

Most everyone knows some basic keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, Alt + F4 to close an application or other active item and the infamous Ctrl + Alt + Delete for when things aren’t going so well.

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You’re using your keyboard wrong — 7 smart keyboard shortcuts to save time

Anyone using Windows knows the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Delete or Command + Option + Esc on a Mac. These shortcuts can help force stop apps or programs. Two more popular keyboard shortcuts are Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste on Windows.

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