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Tech smarts: 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 always 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’re plugging a cable vertically, the USB symbol will face you.
I could go on.
I love passing along clever tech tricks you’ll use time and time again. Here are a few goodies!
Use a Windows PC?
On Windows, let’s keep it simple with keyboard shortcuts you need to know.
Pro tip: Learning a new shortcut takes some time. Yes, there were times before you used Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste all the time and you had to make it a habit. 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, voila, 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 your documents, messages or any other text field. The emoji picker also includes symbols and special characters.
For you Mac folks
Do you use your laptop for both work and personal life? Or maybe you 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.
: Your iPhone = Smart Display | Tom's Guide (Dailymotion)
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, on to some great keyboard shortcuts for you, too.
- Control + Command + spacebar: This shortcut opens the Character Viewer, which lets you browse and insert special characters, symbols and emojis into your documents, emails, texts or anything else. It works in most programs and is a lot easier than opening a website to copy emojis.
- Option + Command + V: When you copy text or files, they’re usually pasted in the original format. Using this shortcut, you can paste the copied content without formatting. This is one you’ll use day after day.
