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

Typing Tutorial Websites

How can I improve my typing skills? a question we hear quite often.. 

Like the piano - it's simply a matter of practice, but remember this isn't crucial - lots of our famous authors and reporters spent their entire careers "pecking away" and did very well...   Now if you are getting ready to take a typing test that's a different story, but I doubt that most of us are worried about that...

But if you think you'd like to improve your typing skills - speed, accuracy or both - you don't have to run out and purchase an application software program - there are wonderful FREE websites that can help you with this new goal - here are "hyperlinks" to some of our favorite typing tutorial websites, so check them out...

Note-some sites will ask you if you want the "tutorial" for a "QWERTY" or "DVORAK" keyboard-ours in the classroom, as are most keyboards, are "QWERTY" style...  

Not sure what the difference is - check out our blog posting pack in November 2009 about these two types of keyboards

http://www.utseniorpcgeeks.blogspot.com/2009/11/whats-difference-between-qwerty-dvorak.html

Free Typing tutorial websites:

www.powertyping.com

www.typingweb.com

www.rapidtyping.com

www.freetypinggame.net

www.alfatyping.com

Enjoy and Good Luck

What is the NUM LOCK key on my keyboard?

NUM LOCK is just an abbreviation for numeric lock.

The NUM LOCK key is usually located in the upper left corner of the numeric keypad on your keyboard and enables and disables your numeric keypad.

When you turn the NUM LOCK on you can use the numbers on the keypad; when you turn the NUM LOCK off the keys now perform other functions such as using the keypad as an arrow pad (typically the “other” functions are noted right on the numeric keypad keys).

On most keyboards, when the NUM LOCK key is enabled, there will be an LED light indicator, so that you know the the NUM LOCK key is turned on (just like the CAP LOCK) light indicator…

Improve your typing skills for free

Want to improve your typing skills – get a little faster or improve your accuracy? Did you know there are many programs online available to help you do just that and that they are free… Here are some favorite websites recommended by fellow students – and as always if you know of a website that others might enjoy, be sure to let me know…

Although most of these websites teach typing for the QWERTY keyboard, which is what so many of us use – some of them also offer typing help for those who might be using a DVORAK keyboard.. not sure of the difference – check our blog posting topic list – either keyboards, dvorak or qwerty for a detailed explanation…

Like so many other things in life, it just takes a little practice.. so Enjoy…

http://www.typingweb.com/

http://www.freetypinggame.net/

http://www.alfatyping.com/

http://www.powertyping.com/

You know more than you think about computers...

I want to thank one of our students in AZ, Patti W for sharing these-thought you'd enjoy them...they might just make you feel better about your computer skills!

Tech support: What kind of computer do you have?
Customer: A white one...

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Customer: Hi, this is Celine .. I can't get my diskette out.
Tech support: Have you tried pushing the Button?
Customer: Yes, sure, it's really stuck.
Tech support: That doesn't sound good; I'll make a note.
Customer: No, wait a minute. I hadn't inserted it yet... it's still on my desk... Sorry...

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Tech support: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer: Your left or my left?

===============

Tech support: Good day. How may I help you?
Male customer: Hello... I can't print.

Tech support: Would you click on 'start' for me and....
Customer: Listen pal; don't start getting technical on me! I'm not Bill Gates.
===============

Customer: Hi, good afternoon, this is Martha , I can't print. Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find it.

============== =

Customer: I have problems printing in red..
Tech support: Do you have a color printer?
Customer: Aaaah.....................thank you.

===============

Tech support: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at the 7-11.===============

Customer: My keyboard is not working anymore.

Tech support: Are you sure it's plugged into the computer?
Customer: No. I can't get behind the computer.
Tech support: Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back.
Customer: OK
Tech support: Did the keyboard come with you?
Customer: Yes
Tech support: That means the keyboard is not plugged in. Is there another keyboard?
Customer: Yes, there's another one here. Ah, that one does work.

===============

Tech support: Your password is the small letter 'a' as in apple, a capital letter V as in Victor, the number 7.
Customer: Is that 7 in capital letters?

===============

Customer: I can't get on the Internet.

Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five dots.

===============

Tech support: What anti-virus program do you use?
Customer: Netscape.

Tech support: That's not an anti-virus program.
Customer: Oh, sorry... Internet Explorer.

===============

Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screen saver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears.
===============

Tech support: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first email.
Tech support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address, but how do I get the little circle around it?

===============

A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
Tech support: Are you running it under windows?
Customer: 'No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his printer is working fine.'

===============

And last but not least...

Tech support: 'Okay Bob , let's press the control and escape keys at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the screen. Now type the letter 'P' to bring up the Program Manager.'
Customer: I don't have a P .
Tech support: On your keyboard, Bob .
Customer: What do you mean?

Tech support: “P” - on your keyboard, Bob
Customer: I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT

HOW TO KEEP YOUR MONITOR AND KEYBOARD CLEAN

First-turn the computer off before cleaning the monitor or keyboard…

Monitor ~ The new LCD flat screen monitors/TV should be cleaned with a micro-fiber cloth and water or solution designed for them-Most manufacturers recommend never using products that contain ANY alcohol, ammonia, or other strong solvents on LCD & Plasma screens.

Keyboard ~ First, turn the keyboard upside down and tap it gently to release any crumbs, dust, pet hair; Then versus paying for a can of compressed air, I use the cool setting on a hair dryer after I’ve tapped the keyboard ~ Be careful what you use to wipe it down. Electronic items usually come coated with a very fine film of glossy finish and this material can be damaged by harsh cleaners, especially ones that contain ammonia compounds or alcohol

Mouse & Phones ~ Especially this time of year (winter) I use alcohol wipes on my mouse and all phones at the office, at home and my cell phone; especially if and when the grandkids are around….

Join us this afternoon 1pm-2:30pm at the 1000 Southern Artery Auditorium in the South Wing for our special computer Question & Answer session - it's free and our panel of computer instructors and technical support staff will be there to answer your questions and presenting helpful information such as this..

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.

Print Screen Key - Why & How to Use This

You get an error message on your screen or something happens you don't understand - don't try to write all the information down - simply use your PRINT SCREEN KEY (usually located to the right side of your keyboard-to the right of Function Keys F1-F12)

What the PRINT SCREEN KEY does is capture an image (takes a photo of) your entire monitor screen, also known as a "screen shot" or "screen capture", and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer's memory.

Once you use the PRINT SCREEN KEY - you need to PASTE the image somewhere - Word Pad, Works, Word, an email, wherever... Activate Paste (CTRL+V; or use your action key and click paste; or use the paste icon on your toolbar/ribbon or right click and then left click on paste from the action menu) where you want it and when you do, the entire image that was on your monitor will now be where you pasted it. You can now Save this and/or print the image so that you can show it or discuss it with a technician or whomever...
Note - some OS (operating systems) require you to use:

• the CTRL + PRINT SCREEN KEY, AND/OR
• most laptops require you to use the Fn Key + Print Screen

Having a true photo of your monitor screen is beneficial for discussion and future reference (especially when something happens and you tell someone and they tell you that can't possibly happen) Now you can show it to them...

Using Keyboard Shortcuts ~ List 3 of 3

Keyboard shortcuts are the use of keys or a combination of keys, that then perform special functions. By pressing or holding certain keyboard buttons together you can open new windows, create shortcuts, and quickly copy and paste files and more. These 3 posts will provide you with some of the commonly used keyboard shortcuts..
• TAB - move forwards through control items or links in current window
• ENTER - click selected control item or link
• BACKSPACE - move up one folder level
• HOME - go to start of current line or web page
• END - go to end of current line or web page
• CTRL + END - go to end of current document
• PAGE UP - move up through current document or web page
• PAGE DOWN - move down through current document or web page
• PRINT SCREEN - take snapshot image of current screen (must then paste it into a word document or email to print it)
• ALT + PRINT SCREEN - take snapshot image of current screen (must then paste it into a word document or email to print it)
• F2 - rename selected item
• F5 - refresh current window or web page
• F6 - move through window panes
• F11 – Full Screen view

Using Keyboard Shortcuts ~ List 2 of 3

Keyboard shortcuts are the use of keys or a combination of keys, that then perform special functions. By pressing or holding certain keyboard buttons together you can open new windows, create shortcuts, and quickly copy and paste files and more. These 3 posts will provide you with some of the commonly used keyboard shortcuts..
• CTRL + ESC - open Start menu
• CTRL + C - Copy
• CTRL + X - Cut
• CTRL + V - Paste
• CTRL + A - Select All
• CTRL + Z – Undo last action
• CTRL + B - Bold highlighted text
• CTRL + U - Underline highlighted text
• CTRL + I - Italicise highlighted text
• CTRL + Plus key - increase browser text size
• CTRL + Minus key - decrease browser text size
• CTRL + ALT + DELETE - open Task Manager
• ALT + underlined letters in menus - open menu item
• ALT + ENTER - show Properties of selected object
• ALT + F4 - close current window or program
• ALT + TAB - switch between open windows or programs
• SHIFT + TAB - move backwards through control items or links

Using Keyboard Shortcuts ~ List 1 of 3

Keyboard shortcuts are the use of keys or a combination of keys, that then perform special functions. By pressing or holding certain keyboard buttons together you can open new windows, create shortcuts, and quickly copy and paste files and more. These 3 posts will provide you with some of the commonly used keyboard shortcuts..
• Windows key - access Start menu
• Windows key + Pause - open System Properties
• Windows key + D - minimize/restore windows
• Windows key + F - open Search window
• Windows key + F1 - open Help and Support Center
• Windows key + E - open Windows Explorer window
• Windows key + M - minimize all windows
• Windows key + TAB - move through open windows on Taskbar
• Windows key + SHIFT + M - restore all windows

What’s the difference between a QWERTY & DVORAK keyboard

It’s all a matter of personal choice

QWERTY keyboard (designed/patented in 1896 by typewriter inventor C.Sholes) is the most common keyboard used today for computers as well as cell phones & other handheld devices. The name QWERTY comes from the first 6 keys on the top left row of keys – On the first typewriters, keys were placed in alphabetical order, but that caused lots of jams on the moving parts of old typewriters; so Sholes rearranged the frequently used keys to spread them out and reduced jams significantly. This design and his patent became known as QWERTY and the US standard 101 keyboard still used today.

DVORAK keyboard became an alternative in 1982. It’s usually referred to as the Simplified Keyboard. Users say it’s easier to type letters because the right hand does more typing of common letters (and most people are right handed) so these keys are on the home row, the least common letters are on the harder to reach bottom row are done by the left hand. Downside: Dvorak keyboards are expensive, but computers today come with free Dvorak software installed and all you need to do is to switch in Control Panel to Dvorak keyboard if you want to try ti….

We know how to use the QWERTY keyboard so why switch - I wouldn't.. But thought is why should the next generation have to use obsolete typing methods because once up on a time there was a typewriter with moving arms in it?

The QWERTY keyboard layout (since 1873):


The Dvorak keyboard layout (since 1932).