Skip to main content

What are those F keys at the top of the keyboard?

So what do you use those F-keys on the top of the keyboard?  Well, those are called "function keys" and they are date back to the old days when computers used DOS. We don't use them much now but they can be used to perform shortcuts on your computer.

  • F1 is almost always a default for help in software programs.  If you use the Windows key + F1, it will open the Windows help and support center. 
  • F2 - Highlight an icon on your Windows desktop and press F2 to rename the icon. You can also rename the icon by right-clicking on the icon and then selecting rename, but what's the fun in all those steps?
  • F3 - From the desktop, F3 brings up the "find feature" to search your computer. If your Firefox browser is on-screen, it pops up the "fine feature" of the browser.
  • F4 - In the Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers, it will open the address bar.
  • F5 - F7 will start the spell check in Word and Outlook. In Word, it will start the "Find and Replace" feature.
  • F6 - Like F4, it goes to the address bar in your browser. On your desktop it will go to various parts of your workspace. Helpful if you loose your mouse and need to move around with your keyboard.  Not something that happens often but trivia that might be useful in the future.
  • F7 - Turns on Caret Browsing in Firefox and I.E. which basically means to navigate the webpage using arrow keys.  Press F7 again to turn this feature off.
  • F8 - Another little used but helpful function. Hold down F8 when you are booting your Windows computer to get into Safe Mode.
  • F9 - No programmed use in Windows but will update selected fields in Microsoft Word.
  • F10 -  Shows or highlights the menu bar in many programs including Internet Explorer and Firefox.
  • F11 -  Opens full screen or "Kiosk" mode for your browser.  How cool is that?
  • F12 - No programmed use in Windows but will open the Save As dialog in Microsoft Word. 
Of course, various programs may use the function keys for other purposes. The function keys can also be combined with other keys on the board for keyboard shortcuts. ☺ 




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Google: Now you know!

Google has released clear information on how to perform better in search engines. Provide useful, legitimate content!  This update is called the " Helpful Content Update " and it is clear that original, informative information is king.  A new sitewide ranking system is being added which awards people with good quality content.  Now, this isn't really new, but it clarifies that your ranking can be impacted and if you are a subject matter expert in your field or business, make it shine!  Utilize your website as informational, not just a short brochure or a business card.  Show your knowledge and experience and make it work for your organically. 

Typing Exercises

You took typing but need to increase your typing speed? Job interview or just because? Typing has become critical in this computer based world, not only from the workplace but also resumes and communication now rely on the keyboard instead of pen and paper. I took typing in high school before corrective ribbons were on the electronic typewriters. I was lucky to get to 15 WPM, and that was on a very good day. My typing teacher was awesome. It really wasn't her fault that I just was not that coordinated and often made mistakes reducing my numbers to single digits. Fast forward to today, I teach Microsoft Office and often encourage my students to start or refresh their typing skills by increasing their speed. The website I use for  "learning to type" is typingclub.com where you can easily learn the basics to more advanced techniques. Yes there are advertisements although you can pay for an ad-free premium. I don't benefit from this suggestion, but found the 684 lessons

"Hello, This is Bridget (Or Rachel) from Card Holder Services"

When it comes to running a business, the last thing you need is to be inundated with junk phone calls and the number one pest is "Card Holder Services". Matter of fact, the FTC considers "Bridget from Card Holder Services" to be Enemy #1 . Well, the FTC may not have solved this ongoing problem but I have found help from the customer reviews at Amazon.com. I searched online, then narrowed it down to a couple of options. I was very excited when I found the CPR Call Blocker capable of blocking 1200  (yes, 1200) numbers. Robocallers can change their number and I still can block them!  I reduced the robocallers to my business line within a couple of days of adding this device. CPR Call Blocker V108 - 1200 Number Capacity - World #1 - Block Telemarketing Calls Now! (Amazon.com Affiliate Link but personal review without any payment. Just passing on a great tip!) The setup took about 15 minutes for me (some said it only took a couple of minutes in the reviews). The ins