Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 15.1. The 104-key Windows keyboard layout.
The WIN key by itself opens 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 can press WIN+E to launch the Windows Explorer application.
Table 15.1
shows a
list of common Windows key combinations used with the Windows keyboard.
Table 15.1. Windows Key Combinations
Note that these basic Windows key combinations work in all versions of Windows from Windows
XP through Windows 8. For a comprehensive list of all Windows keyboard shortcuts, including those
limited to specific versions of Windows, see
www.support.microsoft.com/kb/126449
and
Using the Windows and Application keys is not mandatory when running Windows. In fact,
preexisting standard key combinations can perform many of the same functions as these newer keys.
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
correctly registers the additional trilograms plus the additional Windows keys adds somewhat to the
cost of these keyboards compared to the previous 101-key standard models.
