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Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Top 10 Keyboard Shortcuts"

Computer keyboard shortcuts are designed to save you valuable time and productivity. Yet, many computer users opt to stick to long-form commands, because they are afraid it will take too long to memorize shortcut combinations.

The truth is, memorizing shortcut commands is easy and will eliminate unnecessary steps. Your hand muscles and cartidge will not have to work as hard and you will free up more time than you may think.

In this month's newsletter, we've decided to feature our list of the top 10 keyboard shortcut commands we believe will be the most useful to you:

1. Ctrl + F
   This command opens the Find function in any program you are using. This includes your Internet browser as well to find text on a page.
   
   
2. Alt + Tab or Alt + Esc
   This command quickly switches between open programs moving forward. Pressing Ctrl + Tab will switch between tabs in a program. Adding the Shift key to Alt + Tab or Ctrl + Tab will move backwards.
   
   If you are using Windows Vista or 7, you can press the Windows Key + Tab to switch through open programs in a full screenshot of the Window.
   
   
3. Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert
   This command copy's the highlighted text or selected item.
   
   
4. Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert
   Use this command to paste the text you've copied from the clipboard to the spot your cursor is resting.
   
   
5. Ctrl + Z and Ctrl + Y
   This command will undo any change you've just made. For example, if you paste text, pressing this command will undo that paste. Usually, you can press this command multiple times to continue to undo previous commands further and further back in the order they were performed. Pressing Ctrl + Y will redo the undo.
   
   
6. Ctrl + Left arrow / Right arrow
   Use this command to move your cursor one word at a time instead of one character at a time. To highlight one word at a time, hold down Ctrl + Shift and then press the left or right arrow key to move one word at a time in that direction.
   
   
7. Ctrl + Backspace
   Press this command to delete a full word at a time instead of a single character at a time.
   
   
8. Ctrl + P
   This command will print the page you are currently viewing. This includes programs such as Microsoft Word and your Internet browsers.
   
   
9. Ctrl + Home / End
   Use this command to move your cursor to the beginning or the end of your current document.
   
   
10. Page Up / Spacebar and Page Down / Spacebar
    These commands will move your current document in either direction one full page at a time. When browsing the Internet, these commands will move your scrollbar one full page at a time in the direction you indicate.

These commands are easy to learn, and will save you a lot of time throughout your day. Every second that you waste in unnecessary steps adds up to minutes, hours, and days throughout the years you use your computer. Taking a few minutes to learn these commands now is well worth the investment for the long term.

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Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"7 Steps to Cutting Costs in Your Business"

As a fellow business owner, I understand the importance of maximizing profits and cutting costs to grow a company. That is why all of the business computer consulting services we offer are designed to help our client's bottom line.

I decided to dedicate this month's Business Computing Tip to other ways you can save money at the workplace to free up resources you can use in more useful places.

Consider these 7 tips the next time you are balancing your budget:

1. Migrating to laptop computers. Laptop computers consume approximately 90% less energy than standard desktop computers. Whenever possible, have your employees make the switch to laptops.
   
   
2. Printer ink alternatives. Are you paying retail prices for your printer ink? Refilling your used cartridges at places like Cartridge World, and buying recycled cartridges online can save you almost 50% off the suggested retail price.
   
   
3. Evaluate your phone systems and usage. It's never too late to take a close look at your current phone plan and comparing your usage. Many times, business owners can reduce the number of lines they have or switch to an Internet-based phone system such as VoIP to reduce the costs of their bill.
   
   
4. Review your weekly spending. If you find yourself buying office supplies once a week, consider the benefits of buying in bulk once a month. Run a quick cost comparison to see how much you could save by simply re-arranging your buying procedures.
   
   
5. Hiring interns. Many colleges run a college credit program for internships. Simply contact the careers department and ask for information regarding their business partnership and intern programs. They are always on the lookout for opportunities for their students to work as interns in exchange for college credit.
   
   
6. Turn off the lights. Turning off the lights in unused areas in your office workspace can greatly reduce your monthly electric bill.
   
   
7. Leverage unused office space. If you have available space in your office that you do not actively use, consider subletting the space out. Sharing the rent and not paying for unused space are two great points to bring to the attention of your landlord.

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Our Clients Speak Out

“What I like most about Progressive Integrations, Inc., is that they are very fast and professional. The biggest benefits we have received from Progressive Integrations, Inc., Break/Fix support is that they are courteous, efficient, and provide professional service. We highly recommend them.”

   Pastor Ladson F. Mills III. - John's Island

"We have been Platinum Proactive Care clients for 2+yrs. We are very pleased with the efficiency, proficiency, and professionalism of PI’s techs. We recently upgraded to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 and the process was seamless. We appreciate that PI cares enough about its clients to provide a 24/7 proactive care service and it gives me piece of mind knowing that when I am ready to use my investments, they are reliable, consistent, and available for use. Further having their online PRO backup service also gives us piece of mind knowing that our important investments (pictures, music, and documents) are also being backed up as well. We highly recommend Progressive Integrations, Inc., and its information technology services.”

The Keating Group of Companies                         Gregory J Keating, Chairman - Charleston, SC

"What we like most about Progressive Integrations, Inc is the prompt, courteous and proficient expertise of their employees. Recently we purchased a new computer and printer and they were installed and information migrated to our new system from an old system. We were struck by the speed of computer and knowing everything is set up properly. We highly recommend Progressive Integrations, Inc."

Sharon & Ken McCarty, S & K Services of the Lowcountry LLC

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Progressive Integrations, Inc., 3424 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC  29455
T: 843.559.2958
E: info@progressiveintegrations.com

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