Does anybody know what those stupid F buttons are for across the top of the keyboard?

[FunkyMonkee]

At LEAST once a week, when I go to grab the keyboard to type, I'll accidentally bump one of those keys and suddenly, the screen gets smaller by half and some window loaded with gibberish pops up across the bottom third of the screen!! What the hell is the purpose of that? I know what F1, 8 and 10 are for.

[jshm2]

Special function buttons

It's not that difficult, kiddo.

https://www.windowscentral.com/best-windows-10-keyboard-shortcuts

[FunkyMonkee]

Thanks! Does it also work for 7 or 8.1?

[Milkdud]

Most operating system level keyboard shortcuts were decided on in the 80s and 90s, so yes.

[bolverk]

They are short cut function keys that usually have their function on them, they are not always the same function from one brand to the rest, but tend to stay the same inside computer families.

[FunkyMonkee]

These have no functions on them. Just F1 through F12.

[bolverk]

See if you can find a handbook for your PC/Laptop or check on-line with the manufacturer to find what the F-keys are short cuts for

[Sixgunsound]

Function keys are shortcuts for advanced users.

[humanearth]

Yes I do, they are extra function keys

Each one does something different

[FunkyMonkee]

Like? I know they're function keys but why is it almost any time I touch one I get that gibberish across the lower half of the screen?

[Milkdud]

Sounds like you accidentally hit F12 while in a web browser. This shows the HTML code that was used to draw the website.

[humanearth]

@Milkdud thats what I'm thinking

[FunkyMonkee]

@Milkdud Probably but it comes up with almost all the F buttons, not just 12.

[misogynistic_pig]

Alt + F4 is used to activate the keyboard lights.

[TroyDT2]

They're helpful, even essential on some PC's for certain tasks.

[Bethany22]

I don't know either!

[tfan1]

F1 or Function is help