Tech tip #39 - what does the XXX key do?

There are quite a few keys on many keyboards that do interesting and sometimes unusual things… Here is a sampling:

Insert key: the insert key toggles whether text is inserted before other text or overwrites it. If you accidentally press insert, it can be surprising! http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/i/insertke.htm

Home key: the home key returns you to the beginning of the line where your cursor is. Ctrl-home will take you to the beginning of the document. Shft-Home will highlight to the beginning of the line. http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/homekey.htm

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End key: the home key returns you to the end of the line where your cursor is. Ctrl-end will take you to the end of the document http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/e/endkey.htm

Numlock key: the numlock key toggles whether the number keypad acts as a number key entry system or whether the other functions (arrows etc) are enabled. http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/n/numlock.htm

F-lock key: the F-lock key toggles whether the function keys at the top of the keyboard behave as “F-keys” (e.g. F5 for “refresh”) or as indicated on the key (open, spell, save, print etc) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-Lock

ScrLk (Scroll lock): This key is rarely used. In Excel it will change whether the cursor moves or the page moves. http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/scrolock.htm

Windows key: the Windows key is found to the left and right of the space bar and can be combined with other keys to perform common tasks. Win-E – explorer, Win-P – monitor/projector choices etc (http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut/windows.htm#2)

Menu Key: beside the right Windows key, you may find the menu key which brings up a context-sensitive menu (usually the same as when you right-click)

This page has a good summary: http://www.computerhope.com/keys.htm

This page of the top 10 is pretty useful: http://www.computerhope.com/tips/tip79.htm

If you would like any help doing this, please let one of your EdTech support teachers know, and they will be glad to help.

These tips are now being archived at the following location in a blog format: http://smustechtips.blogspot.ca

Also, please let me know if you have any tips you would like to share!

	Michael Jackson MA (Cantab) MEDes (Calgary)
	Science Teacher Senior school Technology Coordinator
	Senior School, St. Michaels University School
	3400 Richmond Road | Victoria BC | V8P 4P5 | Canada Phone: 250-370-6182 | Fax: 250-592-2812 Cell: 250-888-8783 Twitter: @MikeJ_SMUS www.smus.ca
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