Computer Bytes - No. 10 If you have ever wondered about the functions of the row of 'F' keys at the top of the standard key board, this article will answer your questions. All of the functions defined below are based on having Windows in your computer. F1 - This key is used for getting 'Help'. Pressing F1 while the Windows Explorer is open will allow a window to open for Help - including assistance in getting started if you are new to the Internet and answering questions you may have about Windows Internet Explorer itself. Pressing the F1 key inside a word processing, graphics or any other stand alone program will typically cause the 'Help' menu to open for that program. F2 - This key is used to rename an item when working in Windows. Highlight any file or folder, press the F2 key and you can type in a new name for the object. On completion, click outside the name box or press the 'Enter' key to make the name change complete. F3 - This opens the 'Find Files' window and works inside program files, on the Internet as well as on your desk top. F4 - Opens the Address bar when working in Internet Explorer which allows you to type in the address of a web page or select from previous pages visited. Pressing the 'Alt' key and F4 key at the same time will close the open window. F5 - This key refreshes the web page you are viewing. Your computer caches or saves information and graphics from the pages you view. Therefore, to view the most recent version of a page you must refresh the page to over-write the cached information. F6 - Will move the cursor around the structure of the program, often cycling you from window to window. F7 - No function in Windows. However, may have a function in some stand alone programs. Check the program's Help Menu to see if this key is operational for that program. F8 - Used to access Safe Mode if pressed during the computer's boot up process. Warning - this action should only be used for trouble-shooting and should be avoided by those not knowledgeable in computer set-up and programming. F9 - No function in Windows. However, may have a function in some stand alone programs. Check the program's Help Menu to see if this key is operational for that program. F10 - Used to activate the menu bar. This will allow you to use the arrow keys to move around the menu. F11 - When working in Internet Explorer, pressing this key will open the window to full screen mode making tool bars disappear. This is useful for viewing more information on the screen. Pressing F11 again will toggle you back to your original screen. F12 - No function in Windows. However, may have a function in some stand alone programs. Check the program's Help Menu to see if this key is operational for that program. This is a simple overview of what these keys will do. Some of the keys have other functions that are too advanced to address in this article. For more information, check the Internet or your User's Manual. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007 MWD. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.