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The Function-Keys Checkbox

The Fn key lets the user switch the mode of operation of the function keys at any time. The user selects the default mode of the function keys by means of the Function-keys checkbox in the Keyboard Control Panel.

The Function-keys checkbox lets the user choose whether the function key operations are primary or secondary. "Function keys primary" means the function keys are normally in their F1-F12 mode of operation and pressing the Fn key selects their control-button mode. "Function keys secondary" means the function keys are normally in their control-button mode and pressing the Fn key selects their function-key mode.

In other words, pressing the Fn key reverses the mode of operation of the function keys from the default mode set by the checkbox. Table 3-5 summarizes the checkbox settings and the operation of the Fn key. The operations of the individual function keys are shown in Table 3-6 and Figure 3-5.

Table 3-5  Setting the default behavior of the function keys

Make Function Keys Primary checkbox

Operations of function keys

 

Fn key up

Fn key down

Checked F1-F12
functions
Control
buttons
Not checked Control
buttons
F1-F12
functions

Table 3-6  The function keys as control buttons

Key name

Control button

F1 Decrease display brightness
F2 Increase display brightness
F3 Decrease speaker volume
F4 Increase speaker volume
F5 Num Lock
F6 Mute the speaker
F7 User definable
F8 User definable
F9 User definable
F10 User definable
F11 User definable
F12 User definable


© 1999-2000 Apple Computer, Inc. – (Last Updated 15 Feb 00)

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