<Computer TidBits> - Keyboard Magic
Although there are only 27 letter keys (including the space bar), 20 digit keys (top row and numeric pad), 16 special character keys, and 12 function keys, the "104" keyboard has 26 more named keys called "Esc", "Tab", "Caps Lock", "Shift(2)", "Ctrl(2)", "Alt(2)", "Back Space", "Enter(2)", "Insert", "Delete", "Home", "End", "PageUp", "Page Down", "Print Scrn", "Scroll Lock", "Pause Break", "Num Lock", and 4 arrow keys.   That's 101 keys, the standard until Windows, so what about those 3 keys with pictures, "Windows(2)" and "Right-Click"?

The "Windows" key (between the "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys) will activate the "START" menu and more.  Depress and hold the windows key and then depress:

  • D = to display the desktop
  • E = to start windows explorer
  • F = to find files/folders (Ctrl/F to find computer)
  • M = to minimize all open windows (Shft/M to undo)
  • R = to run a command
  • Break = to edit system properties
  • Tab = cycle through taskbar buttons

The "Right-Click" key (between the windows and ctrl keys on the right side of the space bar) will provide the drop down menu on any highlighted or active item including the window itself.  Shift/Right-Click a highlighted icon to activate the "Open With" option to choose an alternate program association.

I will not address the extra 14 to 18 special internet keys found scattered around on some "Internet" keyboards.  I am overwhelmed already.

Of course, do not forget that:

  • F1 = gives help at any time,
  • F2 = will rename the highlighted item,
  • F3 = finds all files, or repeats a word find
  • F5 = will refresh the open window,
  • F6 = steps to next open document, and
  • F7 = checks spelling
  • Shift/Del = delete and bypass recycle bin
  • Shift/F7 = Thesaurus
  • Shift/F10 = right click - but you already have a button

And the "Control" commands where Ctrl and:

  • Esc = start menu
  • Home = top of document
  • End = bottom of document
  • A = highlight (select) all
  • B = bold
  • C = copy
  • E = center line
  • F = find words
  • H = find/replace
  • I = italic
  • K = hyperlink
  • L = left justify line
  • M = same as enter
  • N = new page
  • O = open file
  • P = print
  • R = right justify line
  • S = save
  • U = underline
  • V = paste
  • X = cut
  • Z = undo

And the funny "Alternate" key where:

  • Alt/Enter = font properties
  • Alt/Tab = step through open windows
  • Alt/Space bar = menu to Max/Min/Move/Close
  • Alt/Print Scrn = capture active window image to clipboard

Special key functions:

  • Print Scrn (no Alt) = capture entire monitor image to clipboard
  • Shift/Enter = insert a line break (for web pages and others)
  • Esc = close an open dialog

When the desktop is in display, depressing any keyboard key will highlight the next desktop icon that begins with that character.   You can move to the next icon using the arrow keys.  Depressing the <enter> key will activate that icon as if you had double-clicked.  Depressing the <right-click> key will bring up the right-click menu for that icon.  So, who said you had to use the mouse all the time?

To use characters from your installed fonts that are not on the keyboard like symbols and other language marks, do the following:

  1. From your Start Menu, open Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Character Map.  (Windows 95 = Programs > Accessories > Character Map)
  2. In the Character Map, select the appropriate font.
  3. Choose the letter or symbol needed.
  4. Press Select.
  5. Press Copy.
  6. Paste (Ctrl V) into your document.

And lots more . . .
Please contact me with your comments, contributions, and/or corrections.
© 2001 Copyright by Jim Pool Monday, July 08, 2002