How can I access the Fn key on a regular keyboard?

[techs]

I have a laptop with a bad built in keyboard on which I use a regular external keyboard. The regular keyboard doesn't have a Fn key. Is there any way to get to the functions the Fn key accesses using the regular keyboard? I checked the on screen keyboard and it doesn't have the key either.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Not that I'm aware of.

 

[Jeff7]

To my knowledge, the Fn key (which I generally pronounce as it's spelled - the effin key) exists so that laptop makers can cram more functionality into fewer keys. Just another modifier key.
Maybe a keyboard that allows some kind of programmable functionality?

 

[techs]

Thanks for the replies. Who knows maybe someday someone will make an external keyboard with the Fn key.

 

[RebateMonger]

n.m.

 

[Steve]

My SmartBoard has a Function (Fn) key.

 

[Malak]

You don't need an FN key on a standard keyboard, that's why there isn't one. Multimedia keyboards will more than likely have a function lock instead of a function key. Laptops have smaller keyboards, and thus many buttons have multiple functions. That's why there's an FN key. Without multiple functions, a standard keyboard has no need for a function key.

In other words, there aren't any functions for the key to reach on a normal keyboard like on your laptop.

 

[Steve]

Laptops have keyboard-based Fn features that desktops don't have, such as brightness adjustment and single/dual display schemes. Sure, you could do it in software, but you could also use a keyboard shortcut

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: sm8000
My SmartBoard has a Function (Fn) key.

Thanks:thumbsup:

 

[Steve]

Originally posted by: techs

Originally posted by: sm8000
My SmartBoard has a Function (Fn) key.

Thanks:thumbsup:

Well, I don't know that it'll give you whatever functionality you're looking for, unless you can make it into a keyboard shortcut somehow with the Fn key. What do you need the keyboard to do exactly?

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: sm8000

Originally posted by: techs

Originally posted by: sm8000
My SmartBoard has a Function (Fn) key.

Thanks:thumbsup:

Well, I don't know that it'll give you whatever functionality you're looking for, unless you can make it into a keyboard shortcut somehow with the Fn key. What do you need the keyboard to do exactly?

The lappy doesn't have a screen brightness built into the bios nor any on screen software to do it nor any video software. I want to brighten the screen and I need some combo of Fn+Key. I don't know if that keyboard will access the controls but since the laptop screen is so dark its worth a shot.

 

[Steve]

The video drivers should provide that functionality, have you tried updating them? What kind of laptop is it?

 

[Tu13erhead]

Originally posted by: sm8000
The video drivers should provide that functionality, have you tried updating them? What kind of laptop is it?

Video drivers don't change the brightness of the LCD backlight.

 

[Slikkster]

On Dell Inspiron Laptops/Notebooks, the Scroll Lock key on external keyboards takes the place of the notebook "FN" key.

See this message for verification:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums...&message.id=8989&query.id=891614#M8989

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: Slikkster
On Dell Inspiron Laptops/Notebooks, the Scroll Lock key on external keyboards takes the place of the notebook "FN" key.

See this message for verification:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums...&message.id=8989&query.id=891614#M8989

You get a BIG THANKYOU Slikkster!!!
I love you, man!:thumbsup:

 

[Slikkster]

Glad to help. I was wondering about this myself, as I'm in the process of getting my laptop hooked up via a transcoder to my plasma TV, with a wireless keyboard/mouse. So, it's info I needed, too.

 

[vcsccl]

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