Altered states

Usually we are working within an application keying in data in the form of text, numbers, formulae, or in a graphics application, creating drawings.

We are working on the content of the document.

When it is time to work on the structure of the document, we need to switch into a different mode of operation. We need to continue using the keyboard or mouse to communicate with Windows, but we need to say "This concerns the structure, not the content".

With the keyboard we use the Alt key to switch into the menu state.
With the mouse we click on the menu bar.

Use Alt-F to switch into the menu system, specifically into the File menu.

Use the right-arrow key repeatedly to move amongst items in the menu system.
Continue tapping the right-arrow key until you return to the File menu.

Use the left-arrow key to move leftwards through the menu system.

Use the escape key twice to exit the menu system completely.

Alt-letter takes us into the "Action" area.

The Action is the Alternate thing we do with content.

Use Alt-File Open to enter the File Open dialogue box.