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Boost Your Productivity: 5 Essential Computer and Browser Shortcuts

By Nathan Wagemann

 

Whether you're managing a classroom, preparing lesson plans, or navigating through a busy workday, finding quick and efficient ways to use your computer can make all the difference. These five essential computer and browser shortcuts will help you save time and make your daily tasks easier. Most of these tricks work on both Windows and Mac, ensuring that everyone can benefit.


1. Clipboard History (Windows 10/11)
This is the only Windows-specific tip in this list, but it’s a powerful one! Ever copied something new only to realize you still needed what was previously on your clipboard? Windows has a built-in Clipboard History feature that allows you to paste from a list of recently copied text, images, or files. To access it, press Windows Key + V. The first time you do this, you’ll need to enable Clipboard History. After that, pressing Windows Key + V will show you your clipboard history, and you can simply click on any item to paste it.

2. Quickly Lock Your Computer (Windows & Mac)
Need to step away from your computer but don't have time to navigate through menus to lock it? A quick key combination will instantly secure your screen, whether you're on Windows or Mac:
• Windows: Press Windows Key + L to lock your screen.
• Mac: Press Control + Command + Q to instantly lock your screen.


3. Emoji Keyboard Shortcut (Windows & Mac)
Feeling expressive? Both Windows and Mac offer quick access to emoji menus for when you want to add a little flair to your messages or notes. Use the following shortcuts:
• Windows: Press Windows Key + . (period) to open the emoji menu.
• Mac: Press Control + Command + Space to access emojis.

4. Recover Closed Browser Tab (Windows & Mac)
Accidentally closed a browser tab you needed? Don’t worry, you can quickly recover your last closed tab with these shortcuts:
• Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + T
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + T


5. Browser Quick Action Keys (Windows & Mac)
There are several browser shortcuts to speed up your browsing experience:
• Want to instantly highlight the URL in your address bar:
• Windows: Press Ctrl + L
• Mac: Press Command + L
• Want to switch between different open tabs in your browser?
• Windows: Press CTRL + 1, 2, 3… to navigate between tabs.
• Mac: Press Command + 1, 2, 3… to switch between open tabs.

 

 


SPOTLIGHT: Jousue Zepeda

 by Mat Camara

 

Meet Josue Zepeda, our talented Information Technology Technician II in Computer Support Services! Josue grew up in the San Fernando Valley and has spent most of his life in Pacoima, where he’s seen the area grow and change over time. He loves the Valley, especially for all its incredible food options. Throughout school, Josue played just about every sport available, but fútbol (soccer) is his all-time favorite. He’s been playing it for most of his life. As the oldest sibling, he often jokes that he was the "test run."

In 2015, Josue graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a Bachelor's in Illustration. Art has always been one of his greatest passions, and these days, he expresses that creativity through photography. Though still learning, he finds experimenting with new techniques endlessly exciting.

Another passion of Josue’s is traveling and experiencing new cultures and food. His goal is to visit at least 25 countries—he wants his passport to be filled with stamps and visas. He’s also aiming to visit all the U.S. national parks. At every park, he picks up a hat and a magnet to commemorate his visit and, of course, takes countless photos. Being outdoors is his personal Zen.

His love for technology started back in middle school when he set out to build his first gaming computer. Since then, Josue has been constantly tinkering and finding new ways to push the limits. From building a water-cooled PC to overclocking computers to the point where they’re hot enough to cook a steak, technology provides him with a new puzzle to solve every day, which he loves.

Josue is always ready to help others, and he does it with a smile!

Fun Facts About Josue:

• If Josue could instantly become an expert in anything, it would be astrophysics. He’s fascinated by space and dreams of debating Neil DeGrasse Tyson on TV one day.

• If Josue could time travel, he would visit the end of the last Ice Age. There’s so much human history from that era, and so little is known about it—he would love to witness it unfold firsthand.

• The movie Josue thinks would be greatly improved as a musical. Gladiator! He imagines Russell Crowe singing “Are you not entertained?” while hitting a high note—pure cinema at its finest.

Josue Zepeda selfie in front of a waterfall

 

 


How to Choose Your Next Personal Computer

by Justin Smith

 

Laptop or Desktop? Function or form? Small footprint or dedicated furniture?
I get this question a lot, “What computer should I buy?”
The conversation is always different because, like a car, a personal computer tends to be an extension of you. Personalizing your solution will save you time and typically will increase your productivity. Take your time and enjoy the process! Shop around your local technology retailer and hold some open-ended conversations with tech-savvy professionals at your disposal. Remember, you do NOT have to buy the first day you start your journey.

7 steps to get you started:

1) Make a list of the software you use.

2) Check the hardware requirements of each piece of software.

3) Identify what operating system you need, Mac vs PC.

4) Identify the minimum specifications for the processor type, ram, and storage needs.

a. Choosing a better processor and increasing your ram and storage space will help future proof your computer so it will last more than 3, 5, or even 7 years.

5) Do you ever need to work away from your desk? If so, consider a laptop.

a. Do you travel for meetings?
b. Do you catch up on e-mails at the pool?
c. Do you present at various locations in your community?

6) Does your process require privacy? If so, consider a desktop.

a. Dedicated recording studios with dedicated microphones and sound-proof rooms always require a desktop that can support them.
b. A dedicated desktop will also have additional horsepower to handle professional software that typically comes with a professional workflow.

7) BUY ONE!

a. Education employees usually qualify for a discount, so be sure to shop around a little. Instructors and students generally qualify for more discounts too.

Please feel free to reach out to me to further this conversation.

If you have a district related technical need, please also contact our helpdesk so one of our technical coordinators can further explore your hardware and software needs; at a larger scale.

 

 

 


ZOOM SSO (single sign-on)

by Mat Camara

 

Enhanced Security Measures Coming to Zoom


Over the past few years, our Security team has been working diligently behind the scenes to strengthen the college’s cybersecurity. As part of these efforts, we've implemented advanced security measures such as Single Sign-On (SSO), otherwise known as “CanyonsID”, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to better protect our campus systems. These tools have made it easier and safer for you to access district systems while adding extra layers of protection.
While most of our systems are now secured with SSO and MFA, we have not yet fully adopted these features in Zoom—until now. To enhance the security of our users, we will be enforcing SSO for Zoom starting on October 15, 2024.

Many of you are already using SSO to access Zoom and other systems, but this change may be new for some. After October 15, logging in to Zoom with just your email and password will no longer be possible. Instead, you will need to use the SSO login method to access your Zoom account. All previous settings, recording and transcripts that you previously had will still be available after login in.

For your convenience, detailed instructions on how to log in using SSO are provided below. Should you have any questions or encounter any issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Helpdesk at 661-362-3953 or via email at helpdesk@canyons.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to improve the security of our campus systems.

 

Sign-In to Zoom via CanyonsID/SSO Instructions:

 

From the Web:

Step 1: From your browser, navigate to www.zoom.us:

Step 2: Select SSO as the sign-in method on the Zoom Cloud Meetings screen:

screenshot of zoom software

Step 3: Enter “canyonsonline” as the company domain:

screenshot of zoom software

Step 4: Enter your CanyonsID credentials and select Login.

Step 5: Happy Zooming!

 

From your Desktop or Laptop:

Step 1: Open your Zoom application on your computer:

Step 2: Select SSO as the sign-in method on the Zoom Cloud Meetings screen:

Step 3: Enter “canyonsonline” as the company domain:

Step 4: Enter your CanyonsID credentials and select Login:

Step 5: Click Launch Zoom:

Step 6: Happy Zooming!


From your Mobile Device:

Step 1: Open the Zoom app on your phone

Step 2: Select Sign In

Step 3: Select SSO as the sign-in method

Step 4: Enter “canyonsonline” as the company domain:

Step 5: Enter your CanyonsID credentials and select Login:

Step 6: Happy Zooming!

 

 

 


ITs Cybersecurity awareness month!

by Hsiawen Hull 

 

Every year as the month of October approaches, you can be assured that the tricksters in the IT department are plotting and planning for how we are going to sneak into your offices and inboxes! This year is no different and we’re up to our old tricks, and even brought some new treats just for YOU! We will be offering our traditional workshops that you know like the State of Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Best Practices, but new for our employees this year is our Hacker Bootcamp (see below for details)! Rest assured, we are also bringing back the ever popular annual Phishing Tournament for employees AND students! Be on the lookout for more information in your inbox or is it a trap!?!?!

Hacker Boot Camp: Let’s hack stuff!

The IT Security team will teach you the things you're not supposed to know. In session, you will learn about confidence scams, phishing and Open Source Intelligence. Are you ready to be an Ethical Hacker?

October 9th - 2pm -3pm


October 17th - 11am – 12pm


October 28th - 1pm – 2:pm

 

Hacker Boot Camp: Locks, Keys and Passwords

The IT Security team will teach you the things you're not supposed to know. From hacking WIFI, to picking locks and cracking passwords, you're going to learn WHY we tell you to be more secure, by learning how to break the very things that keep your digital life safe. Are you ready to be an Ethical Hacker?

October 1st 1pm – 2pm

October 7th, 11am – 12pm

October 30th – 11am – 12pm

: : : : : : : :  Technology Events  : : : : : : : :

 

Web Committee: 10/17/24 at 1:00 pm

Technology Committee: 10/01/2024 at 3:15 pm

Ed-Tech Committee: 10/02/2024 at 2:15 pm

Standup Committee: 10/17/2024 at 9:30 pm

Information Security Committee: 10/25/2024 at 11 am

 Information Security Workshop: Scroll down for the dates listed in the full article.

 

: : : :  END OF : Technology Events  : : : :