Many different computer tasks involve working with lists. Here is a time-saving tip that works in all versions of WordPerfect for Windows — indeed, this tip works in all Windows programs.

Type into lists to skip down the alphabet.

You can zip down lists by typing a letter or two. For example, display the File Open dialog box, click in the list of files, then type a letter or two — the first couple of characters that begin one of the filenames shown — and the pointer will skip down the alphabet to select that file.

Generally, you must first click into the list, or make sure your “focus” is there — the blue highlighting or dotted outline. But a few lists are quirky, so here's a summary of WordPerfect lists where this technique is handy:

• FileOpen - first click into the list or use Shift+Tab
• Styles list (Alt+F8) - just begin typing (searches only one letter at a time)
• Find or QuickFinder results - first click into the list
• Print - to change printer, begin with the printer name highlighted
• Macro command inserter (Ctrl+M) - in WP7 and prior, you'll need to click into the list first if you've just switched between PerfectScript and WordPerfect.

To reset a search (to begin again and skip to a different entry), in WP 7, 8, 9, or 10 the search resets after a brief pause (1 or 2 seconds); in WP 6.1, use tab, arrow key, or mouse to move the cursor and that will reset the search.

All windows software offers this facility. For example, click on the Start button (or tap the Windows key if you have one on your keyboard) and tap the letter “I” to start your Internet browser. (Depending on your version of Windows, you may need to follow-up with Enter to activate the highlighted item.)

A good Windows example is Windows Explorer. Begin by right clicking the Start button (if that doesn't bring up a menu beginning with “Explore”, left click the Start button, then right click it). Then left click to select Explore. Click on C: and then type the letter “W” to zip the cursor down to the Windows directory. Voila!

For another example, select Start, then Settings, and open the Control Panel. Now press the letter "D" to move the highlighting to select the Date/Time icon.

You'll find this feature quite handy when working with lists of files (such as at the FileOpen screen) and in choosing from lists of printers, styles, paper sizes, etc.