While watching a friend fill-in a Web Form recently, I was a little curious as to why she didn’t “Tab” down, from field to field – rather than using her mouse to move. So, quite naturally, I pointed out that using the “Tab” key was much more efficient for the task – only to be rewarded with a blank look, followed by a “huh?”
After a 30 second explanation, it came out that in the 10+ years she’s been a computer user, she was unaware of this shortcut. Yes, I know, you’re shaking your head and thinking – but, everyone knows that. Maybe everyone you know does – but, I can assure you there is a surprising lack of shortcut knowledge in the “tech savvy” generation. Particularly, when it comes to shortcuts that can help make a repetitive task flow a little smoother.
Here’s an example of a repetitive task which I perform every day, while setting up the Tech Thoughts Daily Net News column – made much easier than it might otherwise be, simply by setting the Mouse pointer to automatically select the “Insert”button in the “Insert Hyperlink” dialogue box.
First – I select the address I want to link with.
Second – I copy the link.
Third – I select the text I want to link with.
Fourth – I open the Hyperlink dialogue box.
Fifth – as you can see, the web address has been inserted automatically and the “Insert” button, has been automatically selected.
Performing this same task, 30 or more times, while building a column, can be mind-numbing in its repetitiveness. So, I rely heavily on this auto feature. And, I’ll tell you frankly – I don’t bother looking to ensure all is well – I don’t even look at the dialogue box – I simply click the Mouse button.
This feature works in most (but not all) dialogue boxes and, if you should decide that you could benefit by selecting this option – here’s how to do it.
Open “Mouse Properties” and select – “Automatically move pointer to the default button in a dialogue box”.
Pretty simple.
You think this is strange. I will give you another example. One of my first client ladies (from 15 tears ago) and working for an NGO had a problem with her latest acquisitions, a laptop. She called me and I tried to solve her problem on line. At one point I asked her to hit “Esc” key. Her response was very similar “huh ! Where is that?”
BTW I deliberately disable the “default button” feature as in my experience it lands on the box I DID NOT WANT TO CHOOSE. Regardless of how careful a person is a single inadvertent click of the mouse can land you in a whole lot of trouble, especially with all the web advertising and dangerous behaviour of majority web sites.
I do however accelerate the mouse pointer (pointer speed) to the max to get fast result from minimal mouse movement.
Hi Pmshah,
Yes, it can often be quite amazing just how the simple things can be missed.
I understand your reluctance – you’re right, one misdirected click and……….
Best,
Bill