11.  TECH TIP – Function Keys

 

The top row of keys on the keyboard are called Function Keys (F1, F2, F3…etc).  These keys serve a special purpose depending on which program you are using.  Sometimes, a Function Key is used by itself, and sometimes it is used in combination with other keys, called modifier keys, ie, the Shift Key, Ctrl Key, or Alt Key.  Examples:  Shift + F1,  Ctrl + F1 or Alt + F1 or Shift + Alt + Shift +F1…get the point?).

 

In this Tech Tip, we will explore the uses of the Function Keys in 3 programs, Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Word.  (Note:  Windows means you at looking at the desktop with no application being active).

 

Here are some of the neat Function Keys to get acquainted with.

 

F1

Windows: Go to Windows Help

Internet Explorer:  Go to Explorer help

Microsoft Word:  Go to Word Help

Shift + F1 does two things depending which version you have.  It gives you a Question Mark.  Click on any button or item and you will get - an explanation of that item.  OR, just click the mouse in the document area and you will Reveal Formatting for the document.

Shift + Alt + F! opens up System Information

 

F2

Windows:  Click on an icon on the desktop and press F2 to rename the file or folder or application.  (You can also rename by right-clicking on an icon).

Internet Explorer:  None

Microsoft Word:  Move text or graphics.  Select some text or a graphic.  Press F2.  Click where you want the text or graphic to be moved to.  Press Return

Ctrl + F2 takes you to Print Preview

 

F3

Windows:  Go to Search (search for Files or Folders) (search for Files or Folders)

Internet Explorer:   If you use the Google Toolbar (and your should – it is the one good add-on toolbar – this key will open up a pane (panel) on the left side of the screen from which you can search.

Microsoft Word:  Insert an Auto Text entry after it pops on the screen.  Example:  Begin typing January.  When you get to Janu, the word January will appear on the screen.  Press F3 to enter it into your document.  (You can do this also by entering Return).

 

F4

Windows:   Hold down the ALT key and tap the F4 key to close a window or and application – a quick way to quite a program.  You can also shut down your computer with ALT-F4

Internet Explorer:  Open the address bar – you can quickly find an address to click on.

Microsoft Word:  The Repeat Key - Press this key to repeat the last thing your did

 

F5

Windows:  Refresh the screen – this will redraw the current screen you are looking at.

Internet Explorer:  Reload the current webpage – this will download the current page you are looking at.

Microsoft Word:   Go to Find and Replace.

 

F6

Windows:  In an open window, toggle through the various parts of the window.

Internet Explorer:  Select the address in the address bar.

Microsoft Word:  If you have more than one Word document open, use CTRL-F6 go the other documents

 

F7

Windows:  No Function

Internet Explorer:  No Function

Microsoft Word:  Open the Spellchecker. 

Use Shift-F7 to open the Thesaurus. 

Use ALT-F7 to go to the next misspelling.

 

F8

Windows:  When you start your computer, press F8 to start in Safe Mode.

Internet Explorer:  No Function

Microsoft Word:   Select text – place the cursor where you want to start selecting text – then click the cursor where you anywhere else where.  The text in between the 2 mouse clicks will be selected.

 

 

F9

Windows:  No Function

Internet Explorer:  No Function

Microsoft Word:  Recalculate cell in a table. 

Shift-F9 will toggle the field code in a table cell.

 

F10

Windows:  Use Shift-F10 to activate the right mouse button (same as a right-click).

Internet Explorer:  Activate the Menu Bar at the top of the screen.  After you press this key press the left arrow or the down arrow to move through the menu system

Microsoft Word:  Activate the Menu Bar at the top of the screen.  After you press this key press the left arrow or the down arrow to move through the menu system. 

Use Shift-F10 to activate the right mouse button (same as a right-click). 

Use CRTL-F10 to maximize and restore the current window.

 

F11

Windows:  No Function

Internet Explorer:  Switch between full screen and normal screen

Microsoft Word:  No Function

 

F12

Windows:  No Function

Internet Explorer:  No Function

Microsoft Word:  Press F-12 to go to Save As.

 

Note – there are more F Key functions, but I only listed the good ones.  The ones not listed are trivial and not particularly useful/

 

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Here’s a bonus:  Notice that F7, F9, F10, F11 and F12 have no use in Windows.  You can use these keys to make a shortcut to start-up your frequently used programs.  Follow these steps to make shortcuts to your favorite programs.

1. Right-click on a shortcut to a program (on your desktop).  If you don’t have a shortcut to a program, make one on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click on the shortcut tab.
4. Click the mouse pointer in the short cut box, and press the function key to which you want to assign this program.
5. The shortcut name will appear in that box
6. Click on Apply.  Close the box.
7. Press this function key whenever you want to start this program.