Master Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows: Use Windows + D to minimize all open windows and show the desktop.
Mac: Use Cmd + Space to open Spotlight for quick searching.
Browsers: Use Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + T (Mac) to reopen the last closed tab.
Use Text Expansion
Set up text expansion for frequently typed phrases or emails. Tools like TextExpander (macOS, Windows) or built-in options in iOS and Android can save you time by automatically expanding abbreviations.
Clipboard History
Enable clipboard history to access previously copied items. On Windows, press Windows + V to view your clipboard history. On macOS, use a third-party app like Paste.
Virtual Desktops
Use virtual desktops to organize your workspaces. On Windows, press Windows + Ctrl + D to create a new virtual desktop. On macOS, swipe up with four fingers on the trackpad and click the + icon in Mission Control.
Dark Mode
Enable dark mode to reduce eye strain and save battery life. This can be activated in the display settings on most operating systems and many apps.
Search Specific Websites from the Browser Address Bar
In your browser’s address bar, type the website name followed by a keyword to search that site directly (e.g., type site:openai.com followed by your query in Google to search within OpenAI’s website).
Use VPN for Secure Browsing
Use a VPN service to encrypt your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or even built-in VPNs in some browsers like Opera can help maintain your privacy.
Batch Rename Files
Windows: Select multiple files, right-click, and choose Rename to rename all selected files with a sequence.
Mac: Select multiple files, right-click, and choose Rename X Items… for various renaming options.
Quickly Lock Your Computer
Windows: Press Windows + L to lock your screen instantly.
Mac: Press Cmd + Ctrl + Q to quickly lock your Mac.
Utilize Cloud Storage Effectively
Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store and sync your files across devices. Enable automatic backups to ensure you never lose important data. Use file sharing links with expiration dates for added security.
Browser Extensions for Productivity
Adblock Plus or uBlock Origin: Block ads and trackers.
Grammarly: Improve your writing and grammar.
LastPass or Bitwarden: Manage your passwords securely.
Tab Suspender: Suspend inactive tabs to save memory.
Split Screen for Multitasking
Windows: Drag a window to the edge of the screen to snap it to half the screen. You can also use Windows + Left/Right Arrow to snap windows.
Mac: Hold the green full-screen button in the top-left corner of a window, then select Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen.
Use Google Search Operators
Use search operators to refine your Google searches. For example, use site:example.com to search within a specific site, or filetype:pdf to find PDFs.
Find Lost Devices
Android: Use Google’s Find My Device to locate your lost phone.
iOS: Use Apple’s Find My app to track your lost devices.
Automate Tasks with IFTTT
Use IFTTT (If This Then That) to automate tasks across different apps and devices. For example, automatically save email attachments to cloud storage or turn on smart lights when you get home.
Implementing these tech tricks can help you work more efficiently, stay organized, and ensure your devices are secure and performing optimally.