Using the keyboard

The keyboard allows you to type and the action keys, and hot keys allow you to perform specific functions. For more details about the keyboard keys, see Keys on page 11.

NOTE: Depending on the country or region, your keyboard may have different keys and keyboard functions than those discussed in this section.

Using ALT GR key combinations

Some countries have keyboards with an ALT GR key that is used for special key combinations. To type the rupee symbol on a keyboard that includes this key, use the alt gr+4 key combination. Region-specific keyboards in India can use the ctrl+shift+4 keys for the rupee symbol.

To learn about ALT GR key combinations, go to the Microsoft Office website,

http://www.office.microsoft.com, and search for ALT GR.

Using the action keys

An action key performs an assigned function. The icon on each of the f1 through f4 keys, the f5 key (select models only), and f6 through f12 keys illustrates the assigned function for that key.

To use an action key function, press and hold the key.

The action key feature is enabled at the factory. You can disable this feature in Setup Utility (BIOS). See Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics on page 57 for instructions on opening Setup Utility (BIOS), and then follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen.

To activate the assigned function after disabling the action key feature, you must press the fn key in combination with the appropriate action key.

CAUTION: Use extreme care when making changes in Setup Utility. Errors can prevent the computer from operating properly.

Icon

Key

Description

 

 

 

 

f1

Opens Help and Support, which provides tutorials, information about the Windows

 

 

operating system and your computer, answers to questions, and updates to your

 

 

computer.

 

 

Help and Support also provides automated troubleshooting tools and access to

 

 

support.

 

 

 

 

f2

Decreases the screen brightness incrementally as long as you hold down the key.

 

 

 

 

f3

Increases the screen brightness incrementally as long as you hold down the key.

 

 

 

 

f4

Switches the screen image between display devices connected to the system. For

 

 

example, if a monitor is connected to the computer, pressing this key alternates the

 

 

screen image from the computer display to the monitor display to a simultaneous

 

 

display on both the computer and the monitor.

This action key can also alternate images among other devices that are receiving video information from the computer.

Using the keyboard 27