selcting a edge ring or loop

i made a cylinder that i am now trying to move around it individual pparts. I need a way to select a ring of the edges/verts. (would each do the same thing). if this isnt clear what i want just say so and ill find a screen shot

hit the left ALT key while Selecting

wow thanks exactly what i wanted. i tried the shift and ctrl key but forgot about alt. thanks again for the quick responce

Your welcome! :smiley: