Function Keys
F1, F2, F3, etc.

There's a bunch of keys at the top of your keyboard and I do not mean the special programmable keys that open your browser or media player. These are called Function Keys and they really do, ironically enough, serve a function. They are labeled F1 through F12 and you should be able to locate them without any problems.

When you see F11 or the like you should know that means to press these keys.

Q: Okay, so what do I do with them?
A: Well, I have no idea. Try the F1 key. I'm not kidding. Okay, there's surely too many to list because the function keys vary per program that's in use at the time and they're not always the same but normally the F1 key will open help. ALT + F4 will close the open application. F5 will refresh Internet Explorer^® as well but if you want to do a forced refresh (to see new content or for any other reason) then you'd press CTRL + F5 and it would do a complete refresh. F8 will access Safe Mode before the Operating System loads. Some Function Keys will open a special diagnostic or repair utility on some computers.

Q: Okay, so what do I really do with them?
A: I told you, I have no idea. Here's an idea that I've found to be handy. Right click a shortcut or an executable to your favorite program. Select properties. Left click in the shortcut section and press the F10 key. Click OK and then the next time you want to open that program all you will need to do is press the F10 key. You can, if you want, press Shift + F10 or any other combination of keys.

See? You probably thought that this page wouldn't be interesting at all but now, hopefully, you've either been reminded of something you may have forgotten or you have learned something new.

OS: All Platforms > General
Date: 05/24/05

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