What I Used to Do
Past Habits
Used to
'Used to' expresses the idea that something we did regularly in the past is no longer true. It is generally used in the positive form to discuss past habits and routines that we no longer have. 'Used to' can also express a state that is no longer true. 'Used to' is conjugated in the simple past tense, make sure to use the infinitive form in questions and negatives.
Example:
Frank used to exploit wikis in order o drive traffic to his site.
Frank used to cut and paste his username and password from a text file every time because of short term memory loss.
BUT
Did they used to use a patch cord before they went wireless?
Did the cafe use to provide a wireless network or wifi before the Starbucks moved in next door?
Would
'Would do' refers to habitual past actions as well. It is more formal than 'used to'. The use of 'would' in questions and negative sentences can easily be misunderstood in a conditional sense, and should therefore be avoided.
Example:
The hacker would find the path and delete the file remotely.
The user would open a help wizard when he was stuck.
Difference Between 'Used to' and 'Would'
'Used to' can refer to a state or ability as well as habits or routines.
Example:
Frank used to exploit wikis in order o drive traffic to his site.
'Would' refers only to past actions.
Example:
The user would open a help wizard when he was stuck.