The Laptop Keyboard Keys and their Function
( see also: Print Screen Key page - How to use a Laptop Touchpad - F1/F12 Function Keys )
The Insert Key: Is a keyboard key located on the majority of all computers that allows text to be inserted. When insert is enabled, the text inserted
in a document will not overwrite any other text. However, when disabled, text will be overwritten. For the the key to function it may need enabling
in a programs settings.
The Pause/Break Key
Allows a user to temporarily halt the action of the program being run. For example, in computer games, the pause key is commonly used to
temporarily stop the game while the user steps away from his or her computer.
The Print Screen Key
On a laptop the key is usually used in conjunction with the fn Key (fn+PrtScn) and places an image of your computer screen onto the Clipboard.
This image can then be pasted into an MS Word document or graphics program like Photoshop for example. If you press Alt+fn+PrtScn
an image of the currently selected window is placed on the Clipboard.
The Scroll Key or Scroll Lock Key.
Only a select few programs still make use of the scroll lock function, including MS Excel and Lotus Notes. when the scroll lock mode is
turned on, the arrow keys scroll down an open window instead of moving the mouse cursor.Most of us use the scroll wheel on our mouse to
navigate through web pages or use a scrollbar when provided.
The Altgr Key - An alternative way of pressing CTRL and ALT together.
It is typically found on the right side of the keyboard, between the right control key and Windows key (or between the right control key and right alt key). Its primary function is to launch a context menu with the keyboard rather than with the usual right mouse button. The key's symbol is a small icon depicting a cursor hovering above a menu. This key was created at the same time as the Windows key.
The Menu Key or Application Key: is a key found on Windows oriented computer keyboards. It is typically found on the right side of the keyboard, between the right control key and Windows key (or between the right control key and right alt key). Its primary function is to launch a context menu with the keyboard rather than with the usual right mouse button. The key's symbol is a small icon depicting a cursor hovering above a menu. This key was created at the same time as the Windows key.
