Aplgies for errors and confusion was Re: newcomer
in [UK Mac]
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From: Jim on 22 Jan 2010 09:22 On 2010-01-22, David Empson <dempson(a)actrix.gen.nz> wrote: > > The main use of fn is in conjunction with all the numbered F-keys (F1 > through F12) to bypass the special action indicated by the icon on the > key, and instead pass the numbered F-key through as a standard function > key. The standard function keys can be used by applications, assigned to > actions in some parts of System Preferences, or could by used by a > third-party macro utility. ObNitpic: actually it reverses whatever setting you've got in the System Prefs "Use function keys as function keys" or whatever it's called. Jim -- http://www.ursaMinorBeta.co.uk http://twitter.com/GreyAreaUK "Get over here. Now. Might be advisable to wear brown trousers and a shirt the colour of blood." Malcolm Tucker, "The Thick of It"
From: Rowland McDonnell on 22 Jan 2010 09:25 Jochem Huhmann <joh(a)gmx.net> wrote: > Jim <jim(a)magrathea.plus.com> writes: > > >> What's this fn key for anyway? > > > > Good question. Wish I had a good answer. I _assume_ it's to access some of > > the more esoteric characters. > > The alt/option key is for the esoteric characters. The fn key is for > functions, like the function keys. And forward delete. <puzzled> I don't understand what "The fn key is for functions, like the function keys" means. I have function keys F1-F19 and the `fn' key appears to have nothing to do with them, aside from the letter `f'. The alt/option key is for `changing the operation', `selecting the alternative whatever' - which might be `esoteric characters for those who use them' but also might be `close all' instead of `close' (see cmd-w vs. cmd-opt-w in the Finder). The `command' key is the one that means `Do it' - command key makes the keypress into an operation to do something, so opt-Z is `type the alternative character' while cmd-opt-w is `do the alternative job'. Or at least how that's I keep track of these things in my head. So where does the `fn' key come in? It smells like `cmd' in meaning - but... ? > > I've only ever used to for delete-right. Which means I've probably only used > > it twice. Ever. > > I'm using Control-D usually instead. Works in all Cocoa apps. Really? Coo. Rather too many of my apps must be non-Cocoa, then. Rowland. -- Remove the animal for email address: rowland.mcdonnell(a)dog.physics.org Sorry - the spam got to me http://www.mag-uk.org http://www.bmf.co.uk UK biker? Join MAG and the BMF and stop the Eurocrats banning biking
From: Woody on 22 Jan 2010 09:27 On 22/01/2010 14:15, Jim wrote: > On 2010-01-22, Trevor Wright<newstrap(a)thewrights.uk.com> wrote: >> >> I am used to using a del/delete key not just within apps but to delete >> (eg) files or emails from a list. It's convenient not to have to use >> two hands for this. > > You'll probably find that the Mac's backspace key does the same thing. > >> I must say this Imac seems to be a wonderful thing. If not, please >> don't disillusion me during the honeymoon period. > > Well, as long as you don't activate the 5 kiloton self destruct mechanism > you should be fine :-) Its ok, you need two hands for that one. -- Woody
From: Woody on 22 Jan 2010 09:28 On 22/01/2010 14:22, Jim wrote: > On 2010-01-22, David Empson<dempson(a)actrix.gen.nz> wrote: >> >> The main use of fn is in conjunction with all the numbered F-keys (F1 >> through F12) to bypass the special action indicated by the icon on the >> key, and instead pass the numbered F-key through as a standard function >> key. The standard function keys can be used by applications, assigned to >> actions in some parts of System Preferences, or could by used by a >> third-party macro utility. > > ObNitpic: actually it reverses whatever setting you've got in the System > Prefs "Use function keys as function keys" or whatever it's called. That would be a good setting. Like 'use English English' in language settings. -- Woody
From: David Empson on 22 Jan 2010 09:28
Trevor Wright <newstrap(a)thewrights.uk.com> wrote: > In message <slrnhljbjm.2a1l.jim(a)wotan.magrathea.local>, Jim > <jim(a)magrathea.plus.com> writes > >On 2010-01-22, Rowland McDonnell > ><real-address-in-sig(a)flur.bltigibbet.invalid> wrote: > >> > >> Oh aye? Ah. Oh aye. Found 'em now. Bottom left on the small > >> keyboard; above the arrow keys on the big keyboard. > > > >Good-o. > > > >> What's this fn key for anyway? > > > >Good question. Wish I had a good answer. I _assume_ it's to access some of > >the more esoteric characters. > > > >I've only ever used to for delete-right. Which means I've probably only used > >it twice. Ever. > > Many thanks for so many replies! I have a tiny aluminium (?) keyboard > with a Fn key bottom left. > > I am used to using a del/delete key not just within apps but to delete > (eg) files or emails from a list. It's convenient not to have to use > two hands for this. Deleting e-mail messages is usually achieved on the Mac with just the delete (backspace) key. Deleting files is one that Apple specifically chose to make a two-key combination, so you can't accidentally delete a file: command-delete is the keyboard shortcut to move the selected file(s) to trash. (This is shown in Finder's File menu.) That can be done one handed by using the right command key. By the way, you can get help on what all the symbols mean in the menus by selecting Mac Help in Finder's Help menu, then searching for "symbols for special keys", or just "key symbols". -- David Empson dempson(a)actrix.gen.nz |