Keyboard Procedures

Flag Keys

  1. Microsoft has added a new key to the keyboard called the flag key. It is a key (usually in the bottom row of the keyboard) that is marked with the Microsoft Logo that looks like a cross between a window and a flag.

    If you are using a very old keyboard that does not have the flag key, you can experiment with <CTRL-ESC> (i. e., simultaneously depressing the control key and hitting escape). This has the same effect has using the <FLAG> key by itself.

  2. Uses
    1. The flag key by itself invokes the start menu
    2. <FLAG-P> publishes a web in Microsoft front page
    3. <FLAG-M> minimizes all your windows so you can see the desktop (very useful).
    4. <FLAG-F> invokes the find or search utility
    5. <FLAG-E> invokes Windows Explorer.

      To create a new directory, just select File|new|folder. This will create a new directory called new folder. If this new folder is not high-lighted, select it with the mouse, but don't double click. Pause. Single click again and it will allow you to type in a new name.

The Escape Key

This is a key marked "ESC" in the upper most left most part of the keyboard. It is a normal key (in contrast to the special FN, CTRL and ALT keys) and has a single numeric code associated with it.

In many environments, this is often used to cancel some existing action.

The FN Key

This key is unique to notebook computers. It is used for controlling the brightness and the video output.

The Menu Key

This is also unique to Microsoft keyboards.

Meta Keys and the ALT Key

The ALT key is like the control key in the sense that it must be depressed simultaneously with some other key. Together, these keys are known as ALT keys or Meta keys.

Control Keys

  1. Control keys are selected by holding the control key down (in the bottom row of keys on the main part of the keyboard on the right or left side) and simultaneously depressing some other key.
  2. Notation

    The following are all equivelent ways of notating the same key (that is selected by depressing the "a" (or "A") and simultaneously depressing the control key

    1. <CTRL-A>
    2. C-A

The Delete Key

This key is always on the right half of the keyboard.
  1. Standard Keyboards
    1. There are two delete keys that are almost identical.
      1. The key marked "DELETE" lives beneath the key marked "INSERT" in the second set of keys from the right.
      2. The key marked "DEL" lives in the special numeric keypad which is the right most keypad. It shares with the "." key which means you are only using the "DEL" key when the numlock key light is not on. You can toggle the numlock key light on and off by repeatedly selecting the numlock key.
  2. Notebook keyboards

    Notebook keyboards are not very standard, unfortunately, so you will have to hunt for it.

    1. Angel has a single delete key in the bottom right hand side of the keyboard.
    2. Brick has a single Delete key in the upper right most part of the keyboard.
 

 

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