⌨️ Keyboard master: On a PC, press the Windows key + a number to launch or switch to the corresponding program on the taskbar. Pro tip: Click, hold down and drag a program to reorder.
Can IT detect your mouse jiggler?
Employees are using keyboard simulators and mouse jigglers to appear busy, but workplaces are catching on.
Most Gen Zers have no idea how to type: Just ask Jonah Maier, who stares at his keyboard to hit the right letters (paywall link). Blame schools. In 2000, 44% of graduates took a keyboard course; by 2019, that dropped to 2.5%. Educators just assume the tech-savvy generation knows how to type. Spoiler: They don’t!
The first email message was a head-scratcher. Was it … A.) “Hello, world!” B.) A math formula, C.) A knock-knock joke or D.) A bunch of letters?
iPad keyboard trick: When you need to type with one hand, switch to the floating keyboard. Then, all you have to do is pinch in with two fingers on the onscreen keyboard to shrink it. Move it wherever you want, and type away. To go back to normal, pinch out.
Like having two computers: On Windows and macOS, you can create virtual desktops to keep things organized and switch between them using keyboard shortcuts. You could try separate home and work setups or a regular profile plus one you use for all your house renovation stuff, for example. Steps here if you want to try it.
Alt + Tab: A keyboard shortcut pro Windows users know. Use it to cycle through your open programs quickly. On a Mac, it’s Cmd + Tab.
👍 Quick iPad upgrade: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard, then enable Split Keyboard. Long-press the keyboard key at the bottom right, slide your finger to Split and release. Now you can type with your thumbs! To return to normal, long-press the keyboard key, slide your finger to Merge and release.
The closer: You finally read that article that’s been open in your browser all week. Leave your mouse alone and close the tab with your keyboard. On Windows, use Ctrl + W. On a Mac, it’s Cmd + W.
Take a picture – it’ll last longer: On Windows, hold down the Windows key + Shift + S to activate the Snip & Sketch tool. Select a specific area of your screen to capture as a screenshot. On a Mac, the comparable keyboard shortcut for taking screenshots is Cmd + Shift + 4.
🤑 Apple payout: Payments are on the way for anyone stuck with the defective MacBook butterfly keyboard available from 2015 to 2019. Payouts range from $50 to $395. Check your mailbox if you submitted your info for the settlement.
Keyboard shortcut smarts: Attach a keyboard to your iPad (I use this one), and you’ll get a list of shortcuts. Just hold down Cmd while using the app to view shortcuts for that app.
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Ctrl + Space + X is Musk’s favorite keyboard shortcut: You used to be able to break into Elon Musk’s Starlink with just a leaked username and password. Then, bingo — you’ve got yourself some pricey hardware with someone else’s credit card. Now, they’re finally adding a two-factor authentication pop-up if someone tries to change your account email address or phone number. About time.
🐭 Remote work warning: Companies are rooting out mouse jigglers, devices that make it look like you’re online and working when you’re not. Surveillance systems identify repetitive cursor movements and keyboard clicks, as well as scrape screen images (paywall link). If you’re using this stuff, stop.
🤑 The check is in the mail: Payments are on the way for folks who bought a MacBook between 2015 and 2019 with a defective butterfly keyboard. If you filed a claim, you’ll get $50 to $395 soon. Woohoo!
⌨️ Custom keys: Change how the touchpad and keyboard work on your Chromebook. Go to Settings > Device > Touchpad/Keyboard. Sweet options: Changing what a right-click does and treating the top row of keys as function keys.
Keys-y does it: To set the brightness level on the keyboard on your MacBook, click the Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard. You can also have the backlights turn off after a certain time. Perfect if you’re watching a movie in the dark.
It’s not a typo: Your phone always gets a name or word you type wrong. Here’s a trick: When it pops up (usually in quotes) above the keyboard, tap the word. This adds it to your phone’s dictionary. Works on iPhone and most Androids!
🪀 If you want to get super nerdy: This Windows PowerToys upgrade displays keyboard shortcuts right on your screen so you can learn more. Neat-o!