What do the "Function Keys" Do on a Keyboard?

Function Keys are those marked F1 - F12 Keys located across the top of most keyboards.  The following is a "generic" list of the commands those keys will do:

F1	Brings up the help screen
F2	Renames any file or folder that you have highlighted
F3	To search for a file or folder
F4	Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer
F5	Refresh the active window
F6	Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F7	Doesn’t have any function in Windows, but will work for various commands in different application software programs
F8	This key is normally used to access Safe Mode (a trouble shooting mode that starts the computer with as few drivers as possible) when it is pressed during the computer’s boot up process.
F9	Doesn’t have any function in Windows, but will work for various commands in different application software programs
F10	Activate the menu bar in the active program
F11	This is a toggle key which allows you to go to Full Screen Mode on the Internet when using Browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Chrome & Firefox
F12	Doesn’t have any function in Windows, but will work for various commands in different application software programs

  

On some keyboards, including laptops and portable devices – the Function Keys will have “icons” on them – depending on the manufacturer, you will have to use your Fn key to activate either the Function Key or the Icon commands

Portable computers have Fn keys (because for their overall fewer numbers of keys).  In some cases the Fn key is a different style or color, so that corresponding other keys on the keyboard in that same color or style require you to use the Fn key to activate that specific command

Surf the Internet and use some favorite shortcuts

Just a few reminders to use some of the "basic" keystrokes & keyboard shortcuts so that when you are surfing the Internet - it will be easier and more enjoyable.....

• "F5" REFRESH KEY – using this function key will “reconnect" you to a website to update all the information


• "F11” FUNCTION KEY – (or Menu Bar, View, FULL SCREEN)- This is a “toggle button/key” so you can go back and forth for Full Screen which CONDENSES your toolbar at the top OR Normal Screen with All Toolbars at top and Task Bar at bottom…


• CTRL AND + OR – KEYS – Allow you to quickly and easily enlarge the screen when you are on the Internet OR use the Zoom Icon/drop down menu on the status bar at the bottom of your screen or go to your Command Bar, Page and Zoom-and change the size there - remember this doesn't change text size, it simply magnifies whats on your monitor when you are on the Internet so that it is easier to read..


• CTRL PLUS LEFT CLICKING THE “HYPERLINK” YOU WANT TO OPEN – this allows you to leave the page you are on open and it forces open another new tab so you toggle between both websites


• TABBING & FAVORITES/BOOKMARKS – these features allow you to easily multi-task and toggle from one website to another without having to “sign in” repeatedly and to visit websites you visit often

What are keyboard keys called & what do they do

These are the different types of keys on our Keyboard and what they do..

• Alphanumeric Keys: sets of letters and numbers


• Arrow/Navigation Keys: move the cursor


• Function Keys: F1-F12, etc – functions vary on programs


• Numeric Keys: separate keypad to enter numbers


• Text Editing Keys: used in word & document processing


• Window Keys: activate the start menu & other shortcuts

The keyboard enables you to communicate with the computer by typing information and instructions into the computer (the type of keyboard we use are used for computers and cell phones as “QWERTY STYLE").

A numeric keypad is located at the right of the keyboard. It is used like a 10-key calculator.

The top row of keys are function keys. They perform specific tasks in software applications. We don’t need to be concerned with them.

Esc. or “escape” on the top left of your keyboard allows you to stop a task at anytime.

The Ctrl or “control” keys are on the bottom left and right corners of your keyboard. They are used with other keys to complete commands.

The Enter key is on the center row, right side of your keyboard. Use enter to move your cursor down a line.

The Backspace key is on the right end of the row of number keys on your keyboard. Pressing the backspace key moves your cursor one space to the left, and eliminates any typing as it moves.

The arrow up, down, left and right keys on the keyboard allow you to move around your document without destroying your work.
Up = one line; Down = one line; Left = one character or letter; Right = one character or letter
The Delete key will eliminate any typing to the right of the blinking cursor.

The page up, page down keys allow you to move up and down on a page of your document quickly.

The Home key takes you to the beginning of your current line of type.

The End key takes you to the end of your current line of type.

The Home key, used with the control key, takes you to the very beginning of your document.

The End key, used with the control key, takes you to the end of your document quickly.

The Windows Flag Key, used with other keys, will give your various results - such as the Windows Flag Key alone brings up your start menu; the Windows Flag Key with the letter will Minimize all open windows; the Windows Flag Key and the letter E opens Windows Explorer

KEYBOARD - WHAT DO ALL THOSE KEYS DO?

KEYBOARD enables you to communicate with the computer by typing information and instructions into the computer (the type of keyboard we use are used for computers and cell phones as “QWERTY STYLE).

A NUMBERIC KEYPAD is located at the right of the keyboard. It is used like a 10-key calculator.

The top row of keys are FUNCTION KEYS. They perform specific tasks in software applications – such as F5 refreshes your screen when you are on the internet; F11 gives you a full screen for more viewing area.

ESC. or “ESCAPE” on the top left of your keyboard allows you to stop a task at anytime.

The CTRL or “CONTROL” keys are on the bottom left and right corners of your keyboard. They are used with other keys to complete commands.

The ENTER key is on the center row, right side of your keyboard. Use enter to move your cursor down a line.

The BACKSPACE key is on the right end of the row of number keys on your keyboard. Pressing the backspace key moves your cursor one space to the left, and eliminates any typing as it moves.

The 4 ARROW KEYS - up, down, left and right keys on the keyboard allow you to move around your document without destroying your work.
Up = one line;
Down = one line;
Left = one character or letter;
Right = one character or letter

The DELETE key will eliminate any typing to the right of the blinking cursor.

The PAGE UP & PAGE DOWN keys allow you to move up and down on a page of your document quickly.

The HOME key takes you to the beginning of your current line of type.

The END key takes you to the end of your current line of type.

The HOME key with the CTRL key, takes you to the very beginning of your document.
The END key with the CTRL key, takes you to the end of your document quickly.