Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them. These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to perform secondary functions. The symbol that is shown on the lower part of the key refers to the character that is typed out when the key is pressed. If you press shift and the key, the symbol that is shown on the upper part of the key is typed out. For example, if you press 2, 2 is typed out; if you press Shift + 2, @ is typed out.
The keys F1- F12 are function keys for multimedia control, as indicated by the icon at the bottom of the key. Press the function key to invoke the task represented by the icon. For example, pressing F1 mutes the audio (see the table below).
However, if the function keys F1- F12 are needed for specific software applications, multimedia functionality can be disabled by pressing Fn + Esc. Subsequently, multimedia control can be invoked by pressing Fn and the respective function key. For example, mute audio by pressing Fn + F1
(Figure 1: Dell Precision 5560 Keyboard)
Function key combo | Result |
---|---|
Fn + F1 | Mute Audio |
Fn + F2 | Decrease Volume |
Fn + F3 | Increase Volume |
Fn + F4 | Play and Pause. |
Fn + F5 | Keyboard Brightness |
Fn + F6 | Decrease display brightness. |
Fn + F7 | Increase display brightness |
Fn + F8 | Switch to external display |
Fn + F10 | Print screen |
Fn + F11 | Home |
Fn + F12 | End |
Fn + Esc | Switch Fn keylock |
Fn + Ctrl | Open application menu |
Fn + B | Pause/Break |
Fn + S | Switch scroll lock. |
Fn + R | System request |
Table 1: List of keyboard shortcuts