Probably more than once you asked the question "why are the function keys on the keyboard?" Now we will study this topic in detail. After all, these buttons can greatly facilitate the work with a computer, as well as save a lot of time. It should be said right away that the review will concern only the functions assigned by default to the Windows operating system.
Function keys are located at the very top of the keyboard, and their series begins with F1. This key has traditionally been associated with accessing the help system. To make it clear to you, imagine that you launched some new program and have no idea how to work with it. In this case, press this key, and the help section will immediately appear in front of you. But this will happen only when the developers took care of this nuance. It is also worth mentioning that for some programs this key calls up online help. This means that when you click it, your browser will launch, which will automatically open the documentation on the site.
We pass to F2. This key opens the selected object for editing. For example, you are going to rename a folder or some file. On the selected object, press this key, after which a cursor for entering text will appear in the line with the name. From now on, you can start renaming.
Function keys are capable of much. The F3 button calls up the search. This is necessary when you need to find a specific folder or file on your computer. Just keep in mind that if this is done with some kind of open folder, then the search will be carried out in it. In the browser, this button allows you to find a specific word or phrase on an open page.
But the F4 key in different cases acts differently. For example, in the well-known file manager, called “Total Commander”, an integrated file editor is opened with it, and in Windows Explorer and browsers, the address bar and history are activated using this button.
We pass to F5. It allows you to refresh both the page in the browser and the list of objects in the current folder. But in the aforementioned file manager, it copies files folders.
The action of the F6 key is similar to F4, only, unlike the last, it does not open the address bar history. In the file shell moves files and folders.
The function keys F7, F8, and F9 do not have a specific purpose. In each program, they play a role prescribed by the developer. In the file manager, the F7 key, for example, creates a new folder.
F10 brings up or closes the application menu. It dilutes all the function keys. Almost stable in all programs.
F11 switches the open window to full screen mode and vice versa. Also works in most cases.
And finally, F12. This key does not have a specific function. As a rule, it is used to open any additional menu.
As you can see, using the above keys will significantly reduce the time it takes to access certain functions, unlike other methods. Finally, I want to draw your attention to the fact that the function keys on a laptop work the same as on a computer.