Shortcut  Keys for WINDOWS, MAC and LINUX Operating Systems

– Common Shortcut  - or 'Hot Key' Combinations, for The MAC Operating System -

Below is a list of common shortcut key combinations. These are also referred to as  Hot Key combinations.

These key combinations are useful and more efficient for individuals who are  or may be challenged with operating an external keyboard mouse, or when utilizing a keyboard mouse.

The Command key in MAC is also known as  a modifier key – because in combination with other keys – such as those indicated in the list below – they can modify an action, or outcome.

When accessing these functions, remember that many keys work in combination, as indicated - by pressing Command, while tapping the corresponding key. 

In the following list, the - key represents ‘and’.

 Some Common Shortcut Key Combinations for the MAC Operating System include:

Command-X: Cut the selected item and copy it to the Clipboard.

Command-C: Copy the selected item to the Clipboard. This also works for files in the Finder.

Command-V: Paste the contents of the Clipboard into the current document or app. This also works for files in the Finder.

Command-Z: Undo the previous command. You can then press Shift-Command-Z to Redo, reversing the undo command. In some apps, you can undo and redo multiple commands.

Command-A: Select All items.

Note that ‘Command-a specific key’, indicates that you should hold down the

Command key, and that specific key, at the same time.

Note that the ‘Clipboard’ is defined as “a temporary storage area in the computer's

memory that holds text, images, or files when you copy or cut them.”

–  Common Shortcut - or 'Hot Key' Combinations for

The Linux Operating System -

Below is a list of common shortcut key combinations for the Linux Operating System. 

These are also referred to as  Hot Key combinations.

These key combinations are useful and more efficient for individuals who are  or may be challenged with operating an external keyboard mouse, or when utilizing a keyboard mouse.

The Ctrl (Control) and Alt (Alternate) keys in Linux are known as  a modifier keys – because in combination with other keys – such as those indicated in the list below – they can modify an action, or outcome.

When accessing these functions, remember that many keys work in combination, as indicated - by pressing Control, while tapping the corresponding key. 

In the following list, the + key represents ‘and’.

Note that in Linux the term ‘instance’ refers to “a single, running copy of a virtual server or a specific execution of a program/service with its own isolated memory and process ID”.

The term ‘empty selection refers to “a state where no specific text is highlighted or selected by the user”.

Some Common Shortcut Key Combinations for the Linux Operating System include:

Control +Shift+N                         Opens a new window or instance

Control +W                                      Closes a new window or instance

Control +X                                        Cut a line (empty selection)

Control +C                                       Copy a line (empty selection)

Control +V                                        Paste a line (empty selection)

Alt+ ↓ / ↑                                           Move a line down or up

Control +Shift+K                              Delete a line

Control +Enter /

Control +Shift+Enter                        Insert a line below or above