Is there a key combo I can use to start spellcheck and do you recommend any other useful key combos?

Question

I'm using Windows Vista and I like using key strokes for functions rather than mouse clicks....I know undo is Ctrl-Z, copy is Ctrl-C, paste is Ctrl-V...so what do you find useful? Is there a handy reference guide on the web perhaps? Thanks !

Answer 1

If you are using MS Word, F7 will run spell check. Also works in Outlook email messages.

Answer 2

OK here you go

windows keyboard shortcuts overview
Use shortcut keys as an alternative to the mouse when working in Windows. You can open, close, and navigate the Start menu, desktop, menus, dialog boxes, and Web pages using keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts may also make it easier for you to interact with your computer.
Click a heading, or press TAB to highlight a heading, and then press ENTER.
General keyboard shortcuts
PressTo
CTRL+CCopy.
CTRL+XCut.
CTRL+VPaste.
CTRL+ZUndo.
DELETEDelete.
SHIFT+DELETEDelete selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin.
CTRL while dragging an itemCopy selected item.
CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an itemCreate shortcut to selected item.
F2Rename selected item.
CTRL+RIGHT ARROWMove the insertion point to the beginning of the next word.
CTRL+LEFT ARROWMove the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word.
CTRL+DOWN ARROWMove the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph.
CTRL+UP ARROWMove the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keysHighlight a block of text.
SHIFT with any of the arrow keysSelect more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document.
CTRL+ASelect all.
F3Search for a file or folder.
ALT+ENTERView properties for the selected item.
ALT+F4Close the active item, or quit the active program.
ALT+EnterDisplays the properties of the selected object.
ALT+SPACEBAROpens the shortcut menu for the active window.
CTRL+F4Close the active document in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously.
ALT+TABSwitch between open items.
ALT+ESCCycle through items in the order they were opened.
F6Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop.
F4Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer.
SHIFT+F10Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
ALT+SPACEBARDisplay the System menu for the active window.
CTRL+ESCDisplay the Start menu.
ALT+Underlined letter in a menu nameDisplay the corresponding menu.
Underlined letter in a command name on an open menuCarry out the corresponding command.
F10Activate the menu bar in the active program.
RIGHT ARROWOpen the next menu to the right, or open a submenu.
LEFT ARROWOpen the next menu to the left, or close a submenu.
F5Refresh the active window.
BACKSPACEView the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer.
ESCCancel the current task.
SHIFT when you insert a CD into the CD-ROM drivePrevent the CD from automatically playing.
Dialog box keyboard shortcuts
PressTo
CTRL+TABMove forward through tabs.
CTRL+SHIFT+TABMove backward through tabs.
TABMove forward through options.
SHIFT+TABMove backward through options.
ALT+Underlined letterCarry out the corresponding command or select the corresponding option.
ENTERCarry out the command for the active option or button.
SPACEBARSelect or clear the check box if the active option is a check box.
Arrow keysSelect a button if the active option is a group of option buttons.
F1Display Help.
F4Display the items in the active list.
BACKSPACEOpen a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box.
Natural keyboard shortcuts
You can use the following keyboard shortcuts with a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or any other compatible keyboard that includes the Windows logo key ( ) and the Application key ( ).
PressTo

Display or hide the Start menu.
+BREAKDisplay the System Properties dialog box.
+D
Show the desktop.
+M
Minimize all windows.
+Shift+MRestores minimized windows.
+E
Open My Computer.
+F
Search for a file or folder.
CTRL+ +FSearch for computers.
+F1
Display Windows Help.
+ L
Lock your computer if you are connected to a network domain, or switch users if you are not connected to a network domain.
+R
Open the Run dialog box.

Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
+U
Open Utility Manager.
Accessibility keyboard shortcuts
PressTo
Right SHIFT for eight secondsSwitch FilterKeys on and off.
Left ALT +left SHIFT +PRINT SCREENSwitch High Contrast on and off.
Left ALT +left SHIFT +NUM LOCKSwitch MouseKeys on and off.
SHIFT five timesSwitch StickyKeys on and off.
NUM LOCK for five secondsSwitch ToggleKeys on and off.
+U
Open Utility Manager.
Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts
PressTo
ENDDisplay the bottom of the active window.
HOMEDisplay the top of the active window.
NUM LOCK+ASTERISK on numeric keypad (*)Display all subfolders under the selected folder.
NUM LOCK+PLUS SIGN on numeric keypad (+)Display the contents of the selected folder.
NUM LOCK+MINUS SIGN on numeric keypad (-)Collapse the selected folder.
LEFT ARROWCollapse current selection if it's expanded, or select parent folder.
RIGHT ARROWDisplay current selection if it's collapsed, or select first subfolder.
Notes
•You must associate a password with your user account to secure it from unauthorized access. If you do not have a password associated with your user account, pressing the +L will not prevent other users from accessing your account information.
•Some keyboard shortcuts may not work if StickyKeys is turned on in Accessibility Options.
•If you are connected to Windows through Microsoft Terminal Services Client, some shortcuts have changed. For more information, see the online documentation for Terminal Services Client.

Answer 3

Either the control sequence shown on the right when you pull down the menu, or ...

ALL windows / windows apps, press alt, and a letter will highlight, press that letter and it will pull down that menu, press the letter associated with the item, and voila!

(example Internet Explorer: alt | t | o. will pull down the tools menu and click the options item.)

good luck.