Using a mouse with a computer is the most widely used interface for end users around the world, but using a computer without a mouse can be advantageous especially if the mouse pad on a laptop is broken or if the mouse has failed to be packed. Several options exist for Mac, PC, and Linux users to enable keyboard shortcuts that mirror using the mouse. In Windows based computers go to the control panel and find the accessibility options. Find the mouse tab and click it to bring up the selection for MouseKeys; be sure to check the check box. This allows the user to use the arrow and number keys to move the mouse cursor, as well as assign the speed of movement and which keys are assigned to be left and right clicks.
Linux users have a predetermined set of shortcuts already enabled in the operating system to make life easier and more efficient. While these shortcuts are similar across most Linux distributions, some shortcuts may vary based upon the distribution; many of these shortcuts are similar if not the same as Windows shortcuts. MouseKeys can be enabled for use on a Mac in a similar fashion as those on a Windows based system. Look for the "Universal Access" icon in the "system preferences" menu located in the Apple menu. Speed, delay, and mouse keys can be assigned to keyboard keys in the same fashion as in Windows.
So called 'Super Programs' exist in which mouse keys and shortcuts can be applied to the keyboard for more efficient use of the computer. AutoHotKey is a utility program for Windows that allows for any key to be used as a modifier; not just the "ctrl", "alt", and "shift" keys. It is free to download and simple to use. Using AutoHotKey can alleviate the need for a mouse. Winkey is another utility that allows shortcuts to be assigned to specific tasks such as opening a particular file or webpage acting like desktop shortcuts for any application. Robot allows for shortcuts to be stored in their own menu in the system tray with no pop-ups, but is not a free program. This utility can also be used to create application and document shortcuts.
Activewords uses words to represent and use as shortcuts form any application anywhere on the computer. Phrases can be used to find local weather or to open documents, or it can be used to insert text into any file that is currently open. Keyque is a shareware program that shows all of the available keyboard shortcuts to the active application open in Apple. In an instant all of the shortcuts are shown by pressing the Apple key for a few moments.
In addition, existing shortcuts will help in the transition from mouse dependent to independent interfaces. The "tab" key will tab through every area of input on the browser including the address bar and search bar. When used in association with the "alt" key, windows can be switched instantaneously allowing for easy work between applications. Most browsers have the same shortcuts enabled in them such as using "ctrl + l" to highlight the address bar or "ctrl + k" to highlight the search bar. The backspace key can be used to go back a page, if not highlighted, using F5 refreshes the browser, and the ESC key stops the current page form loading. When using tabbed browsing "ctrl + F4" closes the current tab while the space bar can be used to scroll down. Some browser have their own set of shortcuts not common to all such as Safari, Opera, Chrome.
