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General Category => Computer questions => Topic started by: Merlin on February 13, 2011, 02:34:01 pm

Title: F Keys
Post by: Merlin on February 13, 2011, 02:34:01 pm
Hi computer buffs.
I have a Compaq Presario CQ60 Note Book, gifted to me.
Q Is there a list of explanation's (sp) on what the (f) keys at the top of the key pad do.
I wanted to lighten the screen and sent the computer to sleep, there is 12 of these keys.

Cheers ***Merlin***
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: grampa on February 13, 2011, 04:11:19 pm
Hi Merlin, Have a look here..... http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c00832191&lang=en&cc=us&taskId=140&contentType=SupportFAQ&prodSeriesId=3837670&prodTypeId=321957
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: HWPlmbr1 on February 14, 2011, 12:10:46 am
Screw driver...check. Channel locks...check. Pipe wrenches...check. Pipe dope...check. DUCT TAPE!.................check! Okay! lets peal this baby back and see what makes her tick! OOOOPS :o.......DUCT TAPE!!!! Uhm  :-[ okay computer geeks you may take over now!  ;D
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: GrayBeard on February 14, 2011, 12:23:54 am
My kind of Plumber...Channel Locks and Duct Tape can fix anything!!!

~~~GB~~~
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: tux_linux on February 14, 2011, 03:00:18 am
lol - Merlin, use the F-keys (F=function) in combination with the "FN"-key (FN = function). The blue symbols in the bottm corner of the keys are the ones.

The F-keys are mostly for us developers - we use the regularly...  ;D

regards
Torsten
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: Merlin on February 14, 2011, 06:17:05 am
Thanks Paul: Not a lot of help.  :-\
Plumber: keep away from computers.
Torsten: So I should not bother with the F keys, in other words not for the amateur, LOL  ::) ;D

***Merlin***
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: GrayBeard on February 14, 2011, 10:35:05 am
That is pretty much true, Merlin!

However there are a couple tricks you may not know or remember....

If you have a window open on the screen and want to close it...instead of tracking your mouse to the little box with the 'X' in the corner of the window just hold down the "Alt" key and tap the 'F4' key and the window will close.

If you are in FireFox and need a little more room on your screen to see something, just tap the 'F 11' key to make the browser fill the entire screen. To return just hit it again and like magic you are back home!

No charge for this lesson today!

~~~GB~~~
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: Merlin on February 14, 2011, 03:00:58 pm
GB  Thanks, Alt f4 in chrome closes the browser, f11 does as you said.

So it all depends on which browser you use.
In saying that as I said before I think I will leave the f keys to the experts.

***Merlin***
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: GrayBeard on February 14, 2011, 03:21:40 pm
YES the Alt -f4 closes the application you are running!

~~~GB~~~
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: tux_linux on February 14, 2011, 05:59:26 pm
Merlin,

don't be afraid. A computer is a pretty simple machine - not much more intelligent than a washing machine or your drill press.

Try the keys - you can not break your computer. Worst that can happen is to switch something into another mode or so. But those settings can always be turned back (mostly on the same key).

Laptop shortcuts are mostly the same:

Fn + F2: Lock (same as Windows + L)
Fn + F4: Sleep
Fn + F5: Radio Control (Wifi & Bluetooth)
Fn + F7: Switch screen to external monitor (alternating 3 times, press again for different setting)
Fn + F12: Hibernate (deep sleep)

And in general there are some MS shortcuts which are very helpfull: Windows shortcuts (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449)

regards
Torsten
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: dunk on February 14, 2011, 08:45:18 pm
What is the Fn key and where is it located.  i do not see one on my keyboard.
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: dgman on February 14, 2011, 11:43:31 pm
Screw driver...check. Channel locks...check. Pipe wrenches...check. Pipe dope...check. DUCT TAPE!.................check! Okay! lets peal this baby back and see what makes her tick! OOOOPS :o.......DUCT TAPE!!!! Uhm  :-[ okay computer geeks you may take over now!  ;D
Hey Harold, you forgot WD40!
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: Sawdust Dave on February 15, 2011, 12:02:09 am
Dunk the FN key is next to the left control key on a notebook/laptop computer :)
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: HWPlmbr1 on February 15, 2011, 12:22:41 am
Sorry I took so long to get back here...







Had to go get more DUCT TAPE!




Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: dunk on February 15, 2011, 03:54:43 pm
Dunk the FN key is next to the left control key on a notebook/laptop computer :)

Hmm next to that key is a key with the windows logo on it.
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: Russ C on February 15, 2011, 04:23:18 pm
It is only on laptop or notebook computers. You won't normally find the FN key on a desktop computer keyboard.  8)

Fn, or 'Function', is a modifier key usually for laptop keyboards, used in a compact layout to combine keys which are usually kept separate on a larger desktop keyboard. It is typically found on laptops, since a full sized keyboard would be difficult to fit in a laptop chassis. AW  8)  8)  8)
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: tux_linux on February 15, 2011, 05:45:24 pm
*lol*

If you believe it or not - my keyboard for my desktop has a Fn-key: Logitech K300 Keyboard (http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/5759)

...but to keep it real: The Fn-Key on this on is a bit different to the ones on laptops.

regards
Torsten
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: dunk on February 15, 2011, 06:05:31 pm
That  must be why I can't locate it. 
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: tux_linux on February 16, 2011, 07:57:01 am
Mike, there is help ahead  ;D

Sharpkeys @ randyrants.com (http://www.randyrants.com/2006/07/sharpkeys_211.html)

A pretty cool util (freeware of course!). It lets you remap your keys.

For example, I do always remap the "Caps" to a normal "Shift" key. Otherwise I intend to press the caps by accident and write things in big letters - AnD ThIs CaN Be VeRy AnNoYiNg  ;D :o ;D

regards
Torsten
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: ChuckD on February 24, 2011, 10:59:38 pm
Thanks Torsten, I took the time to DO ALL THIS and iCAN'T SEEM TO GET IT TO WORK.  The Cap lock goes on even just hit it and when I HIT BOTH still get both. How do I get just the shf-Caplock to work?  I am a long way from a computer whatever. TIA
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: tux_linux on February 25, 2011, 01:47:48 am
OK, short instruction on how to use SharpKeys.

First - let me explain some things:

The modification can always be reversed or edited easily.
The program will not be installed and is downloaded from the originator himself. So it should be fairly safe and virus free.

Here is the instruction for Windows-User (both WinXP and Win7):

- Download this ZIP-file (http://www.randyrants.com/sharpkeys2.zip). It should be clean and safe as it comes from the originator himself.

- unpack the ZIP. There are 4 files in there: 1 FAQ, 1 licence-text, 1 URL-file and of course the program - an *.exe-file.

- start the program "SharpKeys.exe". It does not install at all or do anything to your computer by now. So it's safe to take a simple look.

- pass the info-dialog and you will see the program surface. On the photo is my modification already listed.

- press "add" and you will get the dialog to add new key conversions.

- choose the key you want to remap on the left list - and the key you want to make it on the right list. But it is simpler to use the functions "Type Key" to get the correct selection.

- press "OK" to accept.

- press "write Registry" to store those changes and reboot to load the new key mapping.

As mentioned above - it is absolutely safe to try this. You can always delete and/or change the key mappings.

regards
Torsten
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: ChuckD on February 26, 2011, 03:22:26 pm
Well, got it where the Cap locks don't work anymore, even when I try to push Shift and Cap locks at the same time which is what I was trying to do. At least The Shift Key Works.  I get a lot of help from a guy named Murphy every time I try to do something with this typewriter with a TV screen.  In fact, he helps everywhere.
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: dgman on February 26, 2011, 06:46:04 pm
Hey I know that guy! He hangs out with me all the time!
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: Russ C on February 27, 2011, 04:29:55 am
If it ain't broke don't fix it.  :)
Title: Re: F Keys
Post by: dgman on February 27, 2011, 10:55:22 am
I'm with you on that one Russ!