Fn Key Issues
|
Bhavya shah
Dear all,
I apologize for this not being strictly NVDA related, but more in regards to adapting to a keyboard which poses unique challenges in the issuance of NVDA key commands. I recently purchased an external keyboard which was overall great value for money, apart from one pestiferous problem. To emulate the Home, End, Page Up and Page Down functions, I need to press the Function (Fn) key in conjunction with the arrow keys. This is not atypical for me as I need to do this even on my built in laptop keyboard. However, on my laptop, I am absolutely used to pressing Ctrl followed by Function followed by right arrow for Ctrl+Home, whereas on this new external keyboard, I need to hold down Function first, and then press keys like Ctrl and right arrow. This is getting particularly problematic since my brain is wired to use the Function key preceding an arrow key only when I want to select an entire line or page as opposed to holding down Function first and foremost, and then pressing things like NVDA modifier+Shift+right arrow to read the status bar. Is there any way - software settting or device setup or otherwise - by which I can get this external keyboard to act similar to my laptop keyboard, in that I need to press the Function key only before the arrow keys or the key whose secondary function will be induced as opposed to the first key in any multi-key combinaition? I would greatly appreciate any assistance in this regard. Thanks. -- Best Regards Bhavya Shah Blogger at Hiking Across Horizons: https://bhavyashah125.wordpress.com/ Contacting Me E-mail Address: bhavya.shah125@... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavyashah125/ Twitter:@BhavyaShah125Skype: bhavya.09
|
|
|
|
Jackie
Bhavya, you don't tell us which keyboard it is. Many keyboards have a
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
key combination to disable such behavior, ie, I remember having to press the fn & esc keys simultaneously to disable that sort of behavior on a Linovo laptop I once had. Unfortunately, these keystrokes are not standardized, & the only way to see if the function even exists &/or how to use it is to consult any manuals &/or online documentation that may accompany your board.
On 2/11/19, Bhavya shah <bhavya.shah125@...> wrote:
Dear all, --
Subscribe to a WordPress for Newbies Mailing List by sending a message to: wp4newbs-request@... with 'subscribe' in the Subject field OR by visiting the list page at http://www.freelists.org/list/wp4newbs & check out my sites at www.brighter-vision.com & www.mysitesbeenhacked.com
|
|
|
|
It would be most helpful to know the make and model of the keyboard.
That being said, most external keyboards are of the "desktop layout" in format (with some foldable Bluetooth ones being notable exceptions) and have dedicated arrow, home, end, page up/down, and other buttons such that multi-key presses using modifiers are unnecessary. That's one of the big reasons people buy and use them when their laptop isn't being used while literally on the road or in the air. -- Brian - Windows 10 Home, 64-Bit, Version 1809, Build 17763 A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep. ~ Saul Bellow, To Jerusalem and Back
|
|
|
|
molly the blind tech lover
Hello.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I think you may need to go in to the bios settings of your machine to change the behavior of the function key
-----Original Message-----
From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of Bhavya shah Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 1:37 PM To: nvda <nvda@nvda.groups.io> Cc: bhavya.shah125@... Subject: [nvda] Fn Key Issues Dear all, I apologize for this not being strictly NVDA related, but more in regards to adapting to a keyboard which poses unique challenges in the issuance of NVDA key commands. I recently purchased an external keyboard which was overall great value for money, apart from one pestiferous problem. To emulate the Home, End, Page Up and Page Down functions, I need to press the Function (Fn) key in conjunction with the arrow keys. This is not atypical for me as I need to do this even on my built in laptop keyboard. However, on my laptop, I am absolutely used to pressing Ctrl followed by Function followed by right arrow for Ctrl+Home, whereas on this new external keyboard, I need to hold down Function first, and then press keys like Ctrl and right arrow. This is getting particularly problematic since my brain is wired to use the Function key preceding an arrow key only when I want to select an entire line or page as opposed to holding down Function first and foremost, and then pressing things like NVDA modifier+Shift+right arrow to read the status bar. Is there any way - software settting or device setup or otherwise - by which I can get this external keyboard to act similar to my laptop keyboard, in that I need to press the Function key only before the arrow keys or the key whose secondary function will be induced as opposed to the first key in any multi-key combinaition? I would greatly appreciate any assistance in this regard. Thanks. -- Best Regards Bhavya Shah Blogger at Hiking Across Horizons: https://bhavyashah125.wordpress.com/ Contacting Me E-mail Address: bhavya.shah125@... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavyashah125/ Twitter:@BhavyaShah125Skype: bhavya.09
|
|
|
|
Jackie
Molly, going into the bios would possibly help w/an internal keyboard,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
but would have no effect on an external 1. This comment is not to be critical in any way. You just strike me as someone who wants to learn all they can, & I'm just trying to help you do that. The bios basically affects what's hooked up to the motherboard. Since an external keyboard generally is not, especially on a laptop, then the bios settings would have no effect. I hope that explains. Good call if the keyboard had been an internal 1, though.
On 2/11/19, molly the blind tech lover <brainardmolly@...> wrote:
Hello. --
Subscribe to a WordPress for Newbies Mailing List by sending a message to: wp4newbs-request@... with 'subscribe' in the Subject field OR by visiting the list page at http://www.freelists.org/list/wp4newbs & check out my sites at www.brighter-vision.com & www.mysitesbeenhacked.com
|
|
|
|
molly the blind tech lover
I totally understand. In that case I am not sure how to help with an external keyboard. Sorry about that. I wish I could help.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
-----Original Message-----
From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of Jackie Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 2:47 PM To: nvda@nvda.groups.io Subject: Re: [nvda] Fn Key Issues Molly, going into the bios would possibly help w/an internal keyboard, but would have no effect on an external 1. This comment is not to be critical in any way. You just strike me as someone who wants to learn all they can, & I'm just trying to help you do that. The bios basically affects what's hooked up to the motherboard. Since an external keyboard generally is not, especially on a laptop, then the bios settings would have no effect. I hope that explains. Good call if the keyboard had been an internal 1, though. On 2/11/19, molly the blind tech lover <brainardmolly@...> wrote: Hello. -- Subscribe to a WordPress for Newbies Mailing List by sending a message to: wp4newbs-request@... with 'subscribe' in the Subject field OR by visiting the list page at http://www.freelists.org/list/wp4newbs & check out my sites at www.brighter-vision.com & www.mysitesbeenhacked.com
|
|
|
|
Before the original poster does that, can they use sharp keys, I'm thinking no, but it never heard to ask. I've personally never heard of such a case as the original poser has. But with technology you just never know.
On 11 Feb 2019, at 11:25, molly the blind tech lover wrote:
|
|
|
|
Nimer Jaber
Hello, Often times, a machine may have a hotkey combination which will change the behavior of the function key. When this is not the case, there should be a BIOS setting. Yes, Sarah, technically you probably could use sharpkeys but there really isn't a need as this behavior can be changed. Thanks.
On Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 2:46 PM Sarah k Alawami <marrie12@...> wrote:
-- Cordially, Nimer Jaber Please take the time to read this signature completely as it contains some information about the email you have just read and all attachments contained within as well as some valuable resources and methods for contacting me if you have any questions or wish to talk. The message above is intended for the recipient to whom it was addressed. If you believe that you are not the intended recipient, please notify me via reply email and destroy all copies of this correspondence. Action taken as a result of this email or its contents by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) may result in civil or criminal charges. I have checked this email and all corresponding attachments for security threats. However, security of your machine is up to you. Thanks. Registered Linux User 529141. http://counter.li.org/ To find out about a free and versatile screen reader for windows XP and above, please click here: http://www.nvda-project.org You can follow @nimerjaber on Twitter for the latest technology news. To contact me, you can reply to this email or you may call me at (970) (658-0358) and I will do my best to respond to you promptly. Thank you, and have a great day!
|
|
|
|
But as stated that is for IO devices. The external keyboard although an input device I don't think can have its function key changed in such a way as the user is wanting. I would google though and see if you can come up with anything per the model of your keyboard.
On 11 Feb 2019, at 13:57, Nimer Jaber wrote:
|
|
|
|
Nimer Jaber
You can change the function of whichever key you wish to with sharpkeys. As an example, I often change the function of the printscreen key to an applications key on Lenovo laptops. One work-around if a user does not wish to adjust the setting with the hotkey or in the bios is to change the function of the multimedia keys to perform f1-f12 functions. Thanks.
On Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 3:32 PM Sarah k Alawami <marrie12@...> wrote:
-- Cordially, Nimer Jaber Please take the time to read this signature completely as it contains some information about the email you have just read and all attachments contained within as well as some valuable resources and methods for contacting me if you have any questions or wish to talk. The message above is intended for the recipient to whom it was addressed. If you believe that you are not the intended recipient, please notify me via reply email and destroy all copies of this correspondence. Action taken as a result of this email or its contents by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) may result in civil or criminal charges. I have checked this email and all corresponding attachments for security threats. However, security of your machine is up to you. Thanks. Registered Linux User 529141. http://counter.li.org/ To find out about a free and versatile screen reader for windows XP and above, please click here: http://www.nvda-project.org You can follow @nimerjaber on Twitter for the latest technology news. To contact me, you can reply to this email or you may call me at (970) (658-0358) and I will do my best to respond to you promptly. Thank you, and have a great day!
|
|
|
|
Now that I actually think about my response, I'm stupid, Ok, not really. But I realise I don't think sharp keys will work for the original poster. They want to press control then function not the reverse. If that is the case I don't think remapping will help in this case, eh?
On 11 Feb 2019, at 14:35, Nimer Jaber wrote:
|
|
|
|
Brian's Mail list account <bglists@...>
That will not help since he already said that the laptop keyboard is normal, unless the keyboard is normal on that pc but not on another and it is the other which causes the issue.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Its imperative to know the make and model of the offending combination. Brian bglists@... Sent via blueyonder. Please address personal E-mail to:- briang1@..., putting 'Brian Gaff' in the display name field.
----- Original Message -----
From: "molly the blind tech lover" <brainardmolly@...> To: <nvda@nvda.groups.io> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 7:25 PM Subject: Re: [nvda] Fn Key Issues Hello. I think you may need to go in to the bios settings of your machine to change the behavior of the function key -----Original Message----- From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of Bhavya shah Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 1:37 PM To: nvda <nvda@nvda.groups.io> Cc: bhavya.shah125@... Subject: [nvda] Fn Key Issues Dear all, I apologize for this not being strictly NVDA related, but more in regards to adapting to a keyboard which poses unique challenges in the issuance of NVDA key commands. I recently purchased an external keyboard which was overall great value for money, apart from one pestiferous problem. To emulate the Home, End, Page Up and Page Down functions, I need to press the Function (Fn) key in conjunction with the arrow keys. This is not atypical for me as I need to do this even on my built in laptop keyboard. However, on my laptop, I am absolutely used to pressing Ctrl followed by Function followed by right arrow for Ctrl+Home, whereas on this new external keyboard, I need to hold down Function first, and then press keys like Ctrl and right arrow. This is getting particularly problematic since my brain is wired to use the Function key preceding an arrow key only when I want to select an entire line or page as opposed to holding down Function first and foremost, and then pressing things like NVDA modifier+Shift+right arrow to read the status bar. Is there any way - software settting or device setup or otherwise - by which I can get this external keyboard to act similar to my laptop keyboard, in that I need to press the Function key only before the arrow keys or the key whose secondary function will be induced as opposed to the first key in any multi-key combinaition? I would greatly appreciate any assistance in this regard. Thanks. -- Best Regards Bhavya Shah Blogger at Hiking Across Horizons: https://bhavyashah125.wordpress.com/ Contacting Me E-mail Address: bhavya.shah125@... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavyashah125/ Twitter:@BhavyaShah125Skype: bhavya.09
|
|
|
|
Bhavya shah
Dear all,
My sincerest apologies for my own delayed response to all your prompt suggestions. • I am not entirely sure of the exact model of my keyboard. However, broadly, it should be a Lapcare Alfa USB Wired Keyboard. I shall hunt for the keyboard’s manual tomorrow or seek sighted assistance in obtaining the same information from the keyboard itself. Once I have that, I will revert sharing the particulars of the make and model of my USB keyboard. • I, too, suspect that changing the Bios of my laptop will not have any effect on my problem with an external device. • I doubt Sharp Keys or other key remapping software will be of use because my issue is not with the positioning of keys or needing to press Fn+F12 to emulate the F12 key or anything along those lines. Rather, my issue lies with the order in which this external keyboard demands of me to press keys in a multi-key combination - always needing to hold down Fn first and then the rest of the keystroke (for all key combinations involving the Fn key). • Pressing Fn+Esc has not resolved my problem either. I don’t see any solution in sight at the present instant, except for the possibility that I discover some secret on getting details about my device and subsequently reading its manual. Thus, I have been trying my best to adjust with this new sequence of pressing keys and issuing keyboard shortcuts. While I still sometimes end up not pressing the Fn key first thus issuing a key command other than what I desired to issue, I am able to somewhat cope with this new system. A remedy to this oddity would still be immensely useful though. Thanks. On 2/13/19, Brian's Mail list account via Groups.Io <bglists=blueyonder.co.uk@groups.io> wrote: That will not help since he already said that the laptop keyboard is normal, -- Best Regards Bhavya Shah Blogger at Hiking Across Horizons: https://bhavyashah125.wordpress.com/ Contacting Me E-mail Address: bhavya.shah125@... LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavyashah125/ Twitter:@BhavyaShah125Skype: bhavya.09
|
|
|
|
On Thu, Mar 7, 2019 at 03:16 PM, Bhavya shah wrote:
Lapcare Alfa USB Wired KeyboardBhavya, This does appear to be the full make and model information. This keyboard is for sale all over India, even Amazon's India website, and other than the row of 9 soft (as in it looks like silicone, not plastic) buttons across the top left side, which appear to be media control keys, it is otherwise unremarkable. The function keys are in their standard blocks of 4 (1-4,5-8,9-12) in the usual position as the top row of hard keys. There is likely a driver that comes with this since it does have multimedia keys, but perhaps not. There is nothing about it's appearance that would suggest that any of the standard keys should behave any differently than they would on any other keyboard. -- Brian - Windows 10 Home, 64-Bit, Version 1809, Build 17763 A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep. ~ Saul Bellow, To Jerusalem and Back
|
|
|
|
Also, as a side thought, have you tried NVDA+1 to toggle input help mode on? It could be that one of the keys is in an odd location compared to what you're used to on the laptop keyboard itself. At least that way you can do a quick check of what it is you're actually pressing when things aren't working as expected to see if the keys are what you think they are.
-- Brian - Windows 10 Home, 64-Bit, Version 1809, Build 17763 A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep. ~ Saul Bellow, To Jerusalem and Back
|
|
|