Function Keys

Nota Bene makes use of the F keys (F1, F2, F3, etc.). These keys provide NB users with the added efficiency of using the keyboard rather than the menus. So F1 opens Help, F4 opens Popup Orbis, F6 is the compose key, F7 opens Ibidem, F9 takes you to the action line, to name a few. But many newer Windows keyboards have the function keys at the top of the keyboard set for use as multimedia keys instead of function keys. The multimedia keys may include Windows Help (not Nota Bene Help), volume control, screen brightness, etc. If you have a keyboard that comes with multimedia keys active, the keyboard will have images of the multimedia functions on the keys at the top of the keyboard. F1, F2, F3, etc. will also be on the keys but in much smaller print. On these keyboards, you can use the function keys by holding down the Fn button while you press the function key (e.g., press Fn+F1 to open NB Help).

Most NB users prefer to have function keys working as function keys, not as multimedia keys. Fortunately, this can be done. The procedure may vary depending on your computer. For instructions, contact your computer manufacturer or do an internet search for your brand of computer and “function keys.” If you have a technician who is setting up your new computer, add this to the list of things for him/her to set up for you. If you are buying a new computer from a computer store, you might want to ask if they can set this up for you before you get your computer.

All of the instructions in Nota Bene Help assume that your keyboard has the function keys active, not the multimedia keys. If multimedia keys are active on your computer, you should use the Fn key whenever you see an instruction to press an F key. For example, if you see "press F9" you should press Fn+F9.

To get the Function Keys working on a Mac, click the Apple icon at top left of the menu bar, choose System Preferences, Keyboard, and check the option "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys."

Click here for detailed information about the F keys from howtogeek.com.