Scott Muellers Upgrading and Repairing Laptops, Second Edition

When Microsoft released Windows 95, it also introduced the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, which implemented a revised keyboard specification that added three new Windows-specific keys to the keyboard. These keys have been added to many laptop systems as well.

The Microsoft Windows keyboard layout includes left and right Windows keys and an Application key. These keys are used for operating system “level and application-level keyboard combinations, similar to the existing Ctrl and Alt combinations. You don't need the special keys to use Windows, but software vendors are adding specific functions to their Windows products that use the Application key (which provides the same functionality as clicking the right mouse button). The recommended Windows keyboard layout calls for the Left and Right Windows keys (called WIN keys ) to flank the Alt keys on each side of the spacebar, as well as for an Application key on the right of the Right Windows key (see Figure 13.4). Note that the exact placement of these keys is up to the keyboard designer, so you will see variations from keyboard to keyboard.

The WIN keys open the Windows Start menu, which you can then navigate with the cursor keys. The Application key simulates the right mouse button; in most applications, it brings up a context-sensitive pop-up menu. Several WIN key combinations offer preset macro commands as well. For example, you press WIN+E to launch the Windows Explorer application. Table 13.1 shows a list of all the Windows key combinations used with the 104-key keyboard.

Table 13.1. Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP Key Combinations

The Windows keys are not mandatory when running Windows. In fact, preexisting standard key combinations perform the same functions as these newer keys. I also have noticed that primarily only "power users" looking to work as efficiently as possible by keeping their hands on the keyboard (and off the mouse) use these combinations.

The Windows keyboard specification requires that keyboard makers increase the number of trilograms in their keyboard designs. A trilogram is a combination of three rapidly pressed keys that perform a special function, such as Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Designing a keyboard so that the switch matrix will correctly register the additional trilograms plus the additional Windows keys adds somewhat to the cost of these keyboards compared to the previous models.

Many laptop and portable systems now incorporate keyboards that include these Windows-specific keys. Some manufacturers have added browser-control and other keys that, although not standard, can make their keyboards easier to use for navigating Web pages and launching various applications.