Learn to Use your Computer

Following are the usual uses for the function keys in Windows. F1The F1 key opens a help window. If you are working in a program and want to see the Windows help window, instead of the program help, press the Windows key (the key with the Windows logo on the bottom row of keys) on the keyboard and press F1 at the same time.F2Select any folder or file name and press F2 in order to rename it. Type a new name for the file, then click outside the name box or press the enter key to make the name change.F3The F3 key opens the Find Files window.F4 Press the Alt key and the F4 key at the same time to close the Window that is currently active. If you press the F4 key when you are working in Internet Explorer, the Address bar is selected so you can type the address of a Web page. F5Press F5 to refresh the screen, for example, if you are viewing a directory of files and you delete or add files, press F5 to see any changes. Press F5 when viewing a Web page to see the most current version of that Web page.F6Press F6 to cycle among open windows to make each one active in turn. F6 often moves the mouse pointer around the structure of the program. F7The F7 key does not have any function in Windows. It is used for spell checking in many word processing and email programs.F8Press the F8 key during the computer's startup to start the operating system in Safe Mode.F9The F9 key does not have any function in Windows. It may be used in some individual programs.F10Press the Shift key while pressing F10 to open the shortcut menu. The F10 key ctivates the menu bar in many programs. Press F10 to highlight the first menu choice, then use the arrow keys to move around the menus.F11Press F11 when you are working in Internet Explorer to open the window to full and make all the toolbars disappear so you can see more information on the page. Press F11 again to toggle back to your normal page size.F12The F12 key does not have any function in Windows. It may be used in some programs.