How to Use Function Keys on Computer Know Full Information

Function keys are the set of keyboard keys that are used to command the computer. These keys are also known as F-keys or Fn key lines along the top of the keyboard labelled F1 through F12. The role of all the keys differs for different Operating systems. In Microsoft Operating System these keys act as a shortcut for performing certain functions like saving files or printing data. The function keys are commonly used with the combination of the CTRL key, ALT key, and the Shift key. Now, in many keyboards, these keys also include some additional set of functions such as multimedia, sleep/wake etc.

 

The role of each function keys from F1 to F12 is mentioned below: –

    1. Role of F1 Function Key: –

• F1 is (almost) used as the help key.
• Almost every program comes with a help or support menu.
• The Help screen opens on pressing this key.
• Window Key+F1 would open the ‘Microsoft Help and Support Center’.
• Opens ‘Task Pane’.

    2. Role of F2 Function Key: –

• In Windows, it is commonly used to rename a highlighted icon, file, or folder.
• In Microsoft Word, Alt+Ctrl+F2 opens ‘document library’.
• In Microsoft Word, Ctrl+F2 displays the print preview window.
• Enter CMOS Setup.

    3. Role of F3 Function Key: –

• Opens a search feature for many programs, including Microsoft Windows.
• Repeats the last command in MS-DOS or Windows command line.
• Shift+F3 will change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower case or a capital letter at the beginning of every word.
• Windows Key+F3 opens the ‘Advanced Find Window’ in outlook.
• Opens Mission Control on an Apple computer running Mac OS X.

    4. Role of F4 Function Key: –

• Opens find window.
• Opens the address bar in Window and Internet Explorer.
• Repeats the last performed action – (Word 2000+).
• Alt+F4 close all active windows.
• When no program is running it opens the shutdown dialog box.
• Ctrl+F4 closes the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows.

    5. Role of F5 Function Key: –

• F5 will refresh or reload the page or document window.
• Open Find, Replace, and Go To dialog box in Microsoft Word.
• Use to start a slideshow in Power Point.

    6. Role of F6 Function Key: –

• Used for moving the mouse cursor to write the web address in the address bar.
• Ctrl+Shift+F6 is used to open another open Word document.

    7. Role of F7 Function Key: –

• Commonly used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft Programs.
• Shift+F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the highlighted word.
• Turns on Caret browsing in Mozilla Firefox.

    8. Role of F8 Function Key: –

• Used to access Windows Safe Mode.
• Displays a thumbnail image for all workspaces in Mac OS.

    9. Role of F9 Function Key: –

• Used to refresh document in Microsoft Word.
• Perform Send & Receive function in Outlook.
• Opens the measurement toolbar in Quark 5.0.
• Compiles and runs the code in combination with Ctrl key.

    10. Role of F10 Function Key: –

• Used to activate the menu bar in many programs.
• Shift+F10 is similar to right click on a highlighted object.
• Enter CMOS Setup.
• Access the hidden recovery partition on HP and Sony computers.

    11. Role of F11 Function Key: –

• Used for activating full screen mode in all modern Internet browsers.
• Shift+F11 adds a new sheet in Microsoft Excel.
• Ctrl+F11 adds a new macro to the workbook in Excel.
• Used to disappear all toolbars and useful to see more information on the screen.

    12. Role of F12 Function Key: –

• Opens the ‘Save As’ window in Microsoft Office.
• Ctrl+F12 is used to open a document window in Microsoft Word.
• Shift+F12 saves the Word document (like Ctrl+S).
• Ctrl+Shift+F12 prints a document in MS Office (like Ctrl+P).
• Preview a page in Microsoft Expression Web.
• Opens Firebug or browser debug tool.

Conclusion: – Function Keys are extremely useful in commanding instructions to the computer. The functionality of the keys can differ from one program to another. These keys are located in the top rows of all computer keyboards. Function keys provide some interesting shortcuts that are very useful in everyday computing.