Whats the function of the fn key?

[MowingDevil]

...I'm sure it stands for function too....how does it relate to the actual function keys in the top row? ...whats its purpose? Do you use it in conjuntion w/ the f keys? I know its a silly question to experienced users, but this is my first notebook; I'm 99% sure there's no fn key on a desktop keyboard.

 

[Brianstorm91]

My BT wireless keyboard has one, and I believe it's to revert the top buttons (volume, brightness etc) back to function keys (F1-F12)

 

[OllyW]

RTFM?

 

[bmcgrath]

RTFM?

Exactly...

 

[mogzieee]

Use it to change the operation of the F keys

for me, currently, pressing F3 activates expose (where the icon is)

Pressing Function+F3 actually does the F3 command for whatever application you use.

 

[Loge]

Note also fn-backspace gives you a forward delete, and fn-Return gives you an enter key (which used to be a separate key on the laptops until early 08).

 

[drichards]

...I'm sure it stands for function too....how does it relate to the actual function keys in the top row? ...whats its purpose? Do you use it in conjuntion w/ the f keys? I know its a silly question to experienced users, but this is my first notebook; I'm 99% sure there's no fn key on a desktop keyboard.

There's a fn key on the aluminum keyboards, wired and wireless. On the wired its to the right of delete in the home-end cluster, and on the wireless its in the same place as you see in front of you.

 

[MowingDevil]

Hey thanks to those who provided productive replies.

 

[Timur]

FN + Cursor Up/Down = Page Up/Down
FN + Cursor Left/Right = Pos1/End

 

[Thunder82]

I use my Fn key all of the time while using Telnet applications. Telnet apps always use the F-keys for certain commands and since Macs use F keys for system commands, the only way to effectively use these programs is to use the Fn+F key. (Unless you want to remap all of the functions for that specific app, which is a pain in the rear)

 

[creator2456]

I use my Fn key all of the time while using Telnet applications. Telnet apps always use the F-keys for certain commands and since Macs use F keys for system commands, the only way to effectively use these programs is to use the Fn+F key. (Unless you want to remap all of the functions for that specific app, which is a pain in the rear)

Or you can click this option in the Keyboard & Mouse preference pane:

 

[rdowns]

It stands for effin' noob.

 

[J the Ninja]

And there are desktop boards with the Fn key. My Logitech Wave keyboard has it where the Winkey would go on the left group.

 

[MowingDevil]

FN + Cursor Up/Down = Page Up/Down
FN + Cursor Left/Right = Pos1/End

Sweet! Thats what I was looking for, I've been missing those keys on the notebook, thanks.

It stands for effin' noob.

yeah, yeah like I said its my 1st laptop.