Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them. These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to perform secondary functions. The symbol that is shown on the lower part of the key refers to the character that is typed out when the key is pressed. If you press shift and the key, the symbol that is shown on the upper part of the key is typed out. For example, if you press 2, 2 is typed out; if you press Shift + 2, @ is typed out.
The keys F1-F12 at the top row of the keyboard are function keys for multimedia control, as indicated by the icon at the bottom of the key. Press the function key to invoke the task represented by the icon. For example, pressing F1 mutes the audio (see the table below).
Function key | Re-defined key (for multi-media control) | Behavior |
---|---|---|
F1 | fn + F1 | Mute audio |
F2 | fn + F2 | Decrease volume |
F3 | fn + F3 | Increase volume |
F4 | fn + F4 | Play/Pause |
F5 | fn + F5 | Click keyboard backlight
NOTE Toggle to cycle the keyboard backlight status through off, low-backlight, and high-backlight
|
F6 | fn + F6 | Decrease brightness |
F7 | fn + F7 | Increase brightness |
F8 | fn + F8 | Switch to external display |
F10 | fn + F10 | Print screen |
F11 | fn + F11 | Home |
F12 | fn + F12 | End |
The fn key is also used with selected keys on the keyboard to invoke other secondary functions.
Function key | Behavior |
---|---|
fn + B | Pause/Break |
fn + S | Toggle scroll lock |
fn + R | System request |
fn + ctrl | Open application menu |
fn + esc | Toggle fn-key lock |