Internet Explorer tip: Save time going to websites using two keyboard shortcuts

March 24, 5:37 PMUsing Computers ExaminerHarold Nolte

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There are many shortcuts available when using Windows.  This article teaches you two tips that make web surfing faster.  Most shortcuts use the keyboard instead of the mouse.  Using the keyboard is almost always faster than using your mouse. 

I will show you a quick way to go to a new site when surfing the web.  Combining two shortcuts gets you to the new site with far fewer steps than using the “conventional” method.  And you won’t even touch your mouse! 

These shortcuts work the same whether you use Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Google’s new browser, Chrome. 

The first shortcut
Hit ALT+D (hold the ALT key down, hit the D key once and release the ALT key).  This moves your cursor into the address field and highlights the current URL.  URL is a fancy name for a website address. 

Now you are ready to type the new web address.  But don’t type the address yet – you will only need to type part of it. 

The second shortcut
The second shortcut will automatically type the beginning and end of the URL for you.  As an example, let’s use www.cnn.com.  Instead of typing the entire address, type only cnn.  Then hit CTRL+ENTER instead of clicking the “Go” button or hitting ENTER.  This will automatically fill in www. at the beginning and .com at the end of the address. 

That's all there is to it.  Now that you have learned these shortcuts, compare them with the “conventional” way of changing cyber locations.  Let’s count the number of steps they each require. 

The old-fashioned way
Click in the address bar with the mouse (1 step).  Type www.cnn.com (11 steps).  Hit ENTER or click “Go” (1 step). 

That took 13 steps.  Let’s try the new way. 

The newfangled way
Hit ALT+D (1 step).  Type cnn (3 steps).  Type CTRL+ENTER (1 step). 

Hmm...  Only five steps.  Not bad!  You navigated to a new site using less than half of the steps.  The new way is better and faster, but if your fingers need more exercise, use the old-fashioned way. 

One thought about ALT+D vs. the mouse
Hitting ALT+D doesn’t really save steps compared to clicking, but for many people it will save motions.  ALT+D is one motion; using the mouse can be up to four motions (looking at the mouse, grabbing it, moving the arrow over the address field, clicking). 

One more time-saving tip
After hitting ALT+D the address is highlighted.  You don’t need to erase it; just start typing.  The first key you type will replace the highlighted text.  Many people hit BACKSPACE to erase the highlighted address, which is an unnecessary step. 

Note that the CTRL+ENTER shortcut only works for addresses that end in .com.  There is a way to set up a second ending of your choice (like .net or .org).  Watch for a future article on how to do this. 

Using shortcuts can save you time and help you focus more on the work you are doing.  Watch for more articles that help you be more productive, learn shortcuts and learn more about your computer. 

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