The Three Finger Salute to Computers

Known as the three-finger salute - Clrt-alt-del is a keyboard shortcut that is used on PCs to help reboot the computer in a single shot. It can also be used to bring up the task manager. In some of the latest version of Microsoft Windows, this command can be used to bring up Windows Security as well. They are also known as interrupt keys since they are sometimes used to pause or exit a program that is hung or is malfunctioning.

In DOS based Windows - pressing this set of keys will give you a set of responses. A Windows 3.1 system will put forth a blue screen and will prompt you to press enter if you want to end a task. If not, you will just have to press the three keys again for a soft reboot. In Windows 95, 98 as well as ME, you will find that the OS will stop completely and then list out all of the processes currently running on your computer and prompt you to kill any of the programs or go in for a soft reboot.

If you are working with Window NT or later versions, then pressing Clrt-alt-del will perform different tasks depending on what the current situation is. If nobody has logged into the system, then you will be shown a log in screen. It can also bring up an unlock screen if the screen has been locked. If the computer is part of a domain or if it is running on Windows 2000, then it will bring up Windows Security dialog. With this you can lock the computer, change the password or bring up the Task Manager window.

If you are not connected to the main domain, and have the Welcome screen and the quick user switching screen activated, then you will be prompted with a task manager. If not, it will open the Windows security dialog box. If you happen to press this set of keys twice, then it will open the classic version of the Windows log in box. You can then log in as any user, even as one that may not be registered on the Welcome screen.

The Clrl-alt-del function is something that every Windows user depends on for a variety of reasons. Getting your computer to reboot is a common requirement. Also having to kill tasks or change screens when in doubt is also needed. These keys throw up numerous screens depending on the version you are working with.