Have you ever tried to navigate through a task on your computer and got stuck on how to use a feature or tool? We have all been there, and we can attest that it can be incredibly frustrating to feel like a computer novice at that point. Even when you have been working digitally for ages, don’t be surprised that there are many simple hacks and tricks you still don’t know.
It could be the simplest thing after Ctrl + S, but you feel stuck once you don’t know what to do. Computer hacks are a lifesaver whether you’re a seasoned techie or a newbie. Besides, not knowing some simple tricks and hacks can be downright embarrassing, especially in today’s world of digital work.
There are countless computer functions and features that serve to make your work easier, faster, and more effective. Here, we’ll be touching on a few to help the techie newbies navigate new terrains in the digital space.
Hack 1: Finding a keyword
This is a very simple one. Have you read through a large portion of text looking for a particular sentence, key phrase, or even a keyword? You should not waste your time reading line after line just to find the information you need.
By clicking on Ctrl + F on the page, you get a search bar to insert your keyword or phrase. Once you hit search, the keyword gets flagged at every point it appears. This is a pretty simple function, but you will be surprised that many people do not know it.
Hack 2: Reopening a tab
Have you ever had a time when you noticed way too tabs open on your browser? Whenever this happens, you find it difficult to switch from tab to tab because you can hardly tell which is which. And so, you start to close them all furiously.
Then suddenly, oops, you realize you’ve just closed an important one. You can’t recall the exact site, but you know you shouldn’t have closed that tab. Well, don’t fret. Simply click Ctrl + Shift + T and get back to what you were doing. If you’re using a Mac, you can press CMD + Shift + T to return the closed tab.
Hack 3: Clearing Cache
A cache is a reserved storage location that collects temporary data from your site visits. Such data often includes the location of the site you visited, the file you used to run an online application, downloads, and some of your personal information. It informs websites of your browsing data, which helps them offer you better suggestions.
However, due to prolonged browsing activity, you accumulate cache on your device. An accumulated cache slows the functionality of your computer, takes up storage, and puts your personal information at risk. So, it is always advisable to clear your browser cache often.
To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + R to clear the cache and refresh the page on your browser. You can also clear the cache by manually clearing history, cookies, and other browsing data.
Hack 4: Inserting a checkbox into a Microsoft or Google Doc, Sheet, or Presentation
Have you ever had to create a list where other participants would have to contribute by ticking options? It gets tricky because no obvious function on MS Word or Google Docs allows you to create a check box. However, please don’t do something tacky like inserting a table or using a symbol instead of a real checkbox.
To create a checkbox, you must add the developer tab to the top ribbon on your MS Word (or Excel). To do this,
- Click the File tab on the upper left side of your screen
- Select Options on the left-hand side
- In the Options pop-up, click on the Customize Ribbon
- Check the box for ‘Developer’, then click OK.
Once this is done, you should have access to the Developer tab in your top ribbon. In your Word document, click your cursor where you want to insert the checkbox. Afterward, select Developer in the top ribbon and click the checkbox icon in the Controls section.
The process is similar for Google Docs. When you have a list that you’ll like to insert a checkbox into, select the list and click the checklist icon on the top ribbon.
If there’s no checklist icon in your ribbon, you have to click the arrow next to the Bulleted list icon and select Checklist at the bottom. This would help you have checkboxes next to your list.
Hack 5: The Quick Minimize Trick
This last hack is for you if you’re a little mischievous. However, here’s a little disclaimer in case you get caught. So, say you’re at work scrolling through Facebook or Instagram when you should be working. What do you do when your supervisor suddenly walks in? Closing the tab manually might take a few seconds you can’t afford.
So, simply click the Windows key + D. This instantly minimizes the window you’re working on. Once the coast is clear, the same Windows + D will maximize the windows again.
In conclusion, you need several hacks and tricks to maximize your productivity. If a function appears too cumbersome, there will most likely be a simpler trick to get it done. Don’t be afraid to explore your device for different hacks to boost your efficiency today, or ask questions whenever you get stuck.
