Browser Shortcuts

As much time as I spend browsing online, I find it useful to use many hidden shortcuts that are built into most browsers.

I was showing a friend something online the other day, and was stopped halfway through my demonstration.

They asked "How did you do that?!?". I didn't know what they were talking about until they had me backtrack to a shortcut key that I had used without even thinking about it.

That made me realize that I use them intuitively without thinking much about it.

Just when you think you know your computer...

Surprisingly, a lot of people don't know these quick shortcuts exist.

I've compiled some of my favorites here to share with you. These are pretty standard for most internet browsers. I personally use Internet Explorer but are worth trying on another if you don't use IE.

Stop Typing www..com

In the address bar of your browser, there is no reason to be typing in www or .com

Save yourself some time.

Type in the main portion of the site's name and then press: <ctrl> <enter>

The browser will put in the www before and the .com after the name that is in the address bar. So:

cnn <ctrl> <enter> becomes www.cnn.com

This is the shortcut that my friend wanted to know about. He had no idea how to do it.

Quick Browser Scrolling

To scroll up and down a web page, simply use the <space> key.

• <space> scrolls down a web page
• <shift> <space> scrolls up

Once you get used to using this, it really speeds things up for you!

Backup Quickly

Instead of using the back button on your browser, use the <Backspace> key on your keyboard.

Opening A Separate Window

Want to quickly open a link, but in a separate window?

Hold the <shift> key when you are clicking on the link. Now you have the old page and the new page opened up separately.

Duplicate The Current Window

I use this one quite a bit.

When I want to create another window containing the exact spot I am at on the web, it is a simple matter of pressing <ctrl> <n>

Exploring Your Internet Explorer

Many shortcuts can be found simply by looking through the menus of your internet browser. You will see different tasks along with the "hot key" combination to make them work. It is well worth getting familiar with them.

You can also discover some short cuts just by right clicking your mouse. The right click menu may offer you some possibilities right there.

Not all of the shortcuts are as well documented though. Sometimes you may happily stumble across them on your own.

By learning little tips here and there it will make you more productive. The best benefit to you is giving you even just a little bit more free time. It adds up!

Do you have a favorite shortcut key to share? Let me know about it!