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Learning the Basics
Starting a program
Function keys
The function keys (not to be confused with the
Fn
key) are the 12
keys at the top of the keyboard.
(Sample Illustration) Function keys
F1
through
F12
are called function keys because they execute
programmed functions when pressed. Used in combination with the
Fn
key, function keys marked with icons execute specific functions
on the computer. For example,
Fn+F9
turns off the TouchPad. For
.
Special Windows
®
keys
(Sample Illustration) Special Windows
®
keys
Your computer’s keyboard has one key and one button that have
special functions in Windows
®
:
❖
Windows
®
button—Opens the Start menu
❖
Application key—Has a similar function as the secondary
mouse button
Starting a program
The easiest way to start a program is to double-click the name of
the file that contains the information you want to work on. To find
the file, use My Computer or Windows
®
Explorer.
If you prefer to open the program first, you have four options. You can:
❖
Double-click the icon for the program on your desktop
❖
Use the Start menu
❖
Use Windows
®
Explorer or My Computer to locate the
program file
❖
Use the Run dialog box
The next three sections explain how to start a program from the
Start menu, Explorer and the Run dialog box.
Application key
Windows
®
button