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Introduction to laptop keystrokes
This week we’ll talk about some common laptop shortcut keys.
Most laptops have an “Fn” (or “Function”) button, usually in the lower left, and quite often color-coded in blue. This Fn button usually is used to get alternate keystrokes, necessary because a laptop keyboard usually has fewer keys than a desktop keyboard, so more keys have to do extra duty. For example, the “J” key usually doubles as a 1 on the number pad, so Fn+J produces a 1.
On many laptops (but by no means all), the function keys across the top center double as special laptop controls when used with the Fn button.
You’re no doubt familiar with the Fn+F8 key to toggle on the external monitor. This isn’t universal, but it’s pretty common. (I’ve also seen laptops that use Fn+F7 for the same purpose.)
Usually Fn+F8 cycles between the following three modes:
- Laptop monitor only
- Laptop monitor plus external monitor
- External monitor only
on June 4th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Sounds a bit stupid but I have managed to press something and the right hand side of the kepyboard is coming up with numbers and i can only type if i hole down the fn button whilst typing. Have u any idea how to change it back?
Thanks, Kat
on June 9th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I don’t have a laptop but estephan’s doesnt seem to be around so I’ll have a guess.
It sounds like the Num Lock is on or womething similar. (It’s the numpad on a normal keyboard moved over isn’t it?) Look for lights that change when you press buttons on your keyboard.
It sounds like it could be a Fn Lock (it toggles Fn on/off instead of having to hold it down) but i dont know what i’m talking about so I’ll shut up.
on June 11th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Humbug, I think you’re right on the money. Kat, let us know if you’re still having trouble.
on September 6th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
For acer laptop i noticed it is fn + left and right arrows……
on December 15th, 2007 at 1:28 am
hi
i also had a similar problem where i couldn’t get the right keys on the right hand side of the keyboard.My laptop being compaq presario v5000 i noticed the scroll + num lock light was on. i deactivated it whilst pressing the function key + the scroll lock key itself.
can’t believe my keyboard is ok now…………………………..