On Unix systems, the keyboard is the means by which you can interact with the system, On Windows systems, the mouse is active in many areas (but not the Main Menu).
There are some differences in the keys used depending on your operating system. The actual layout of the keys and the labels on the keyboard may differ from what is explained below.
There are several keyboard functions that require the pressing of more than one key either together or in sequence.
The keys on the keyboard can be divided into two groups: the character keys, and the special function keys. The use of the character keys is obvious and will not be covered here. The special keys include the RETURN key, the ARROW keys, all the function keys, and others. These keys have specific functions when running the program.
Return key:
Usually labeled either "return" or "enter". This key finishes the entry of data. After typing in data you will press the return key to complete the entry. If the data in the field is already correct the return key simply advances to the next field. Pressing the return key on the last available field on a page, will complete that page and move onto the next step or page. During menu selections the return key will choose the high-lighted selection.
Tab key:
Usually labeled "TAB". This key acts like the return key during data entry, except that it will not complete the page when pressed on the last entry. During menu selections, the tab key will move through the choices without making a selection.
Back-tab key:
This key is the same as the TAB key, only it moves backwards. In Windows and most Unix terminals, press the Shift+Tab keys in unison.
Right-arrow key:
Usually labeled with an arrow. This key moves the cursor to the right during data entry or menu selections. ESC+ right arrow jumps the cursor to the rightmost position of an editable line.
Left-arrow key:
Usually labeled with an arrow. This key moves the cursor to the left during data entry or menu selections. ESC+ left arrow jumps the cursor to the leftmost position of an editable line.
Up-arrow key:
Usually labeled with an arrow. This key moves the cursor up or goes to the previous data entry field during data entry or menu selections. Also used when searching for parts.
Down-arrow key:
Usually labeled with an arrow. This key moves the cursor down or goes to the next data entry field during data entry or menu selections. Also used when searching for parts.
Control key:
Usually labeled either "Control" or "Ctrl". Primarily used in Unix, this key is always used in combination with another key. When the instructions say "Press Ctrl-D" they mean hold the CONTROL key down and then press the "D" key at the same time.
Alt key:
Labeled "ALT". This key is used like the control key. Only active in Windows, the ALT KEY is used in conjunction other letter keys as hotkey shortcuts to special programs.
F1 key:
This key is called the "GO" key. It is like the return key if there is only one choice on the screen. If there are multiple data entry fields on the screen, the F1 key will do in one keystroke what the return key would take many keystrokes to complete. It is a very fast way to complete a screen with many data entry fields.
F2 key:
This key brings up the "RAPID-ACCESS MENU" from just about anywhere in the program. This menu allows you to jump off to another area of the program without leaving the area of the program you are currently in. For example, you can easily make an appointment while creating a service order, look at customer history while making an appointment, and so forth. Note that each user has his "own" Rapid-Access Menu. Each user may reconfigure his own Rapid-Access Menu to contain any menu item in the system. Even the "stock" Rapid-Access Menu choices can be changed. The idea here is to tailor your own Rapid-Access Menu to best suit your own needs and work habits.
F3 key:
This key turns on "INSERT" during data entry and allows the insertion of characters in the middle of a data entry field. In Windows and on some Unix terminals the "INSERT" key has the same function. The F3 key is also used in many places in the program to activate a specific function, such as bringing up a selection list (browser), or a calendar. The status line will display when such a function can be accessed.
F4 key:
This is the "UNDO" or "END" key. This key will undo the last operation when appropriate or will leave and go back to the previous or Main Menu depending on where you are in the program. This key is sometimes the only way to go back or escape from some menus. Generally speaking, you should avoid its use as a substitute for properly answering a question appearing on the screen. Indiscriminate use may result in your last data change not being saved. In Windows, the ESCAPE key has the same function. On some Unix terminals, and on the Unix console, the END key which appears on your keyboard above the separate cursor keys will do the same thing as the F4 key, which may surprise you at times.
F5 through F10:
These keys are used only occasionally, and when they are available, the STATUS LINE will mention them. F5 and F6 perform specific functions. For example, in the COMMENT field of service orders and invoices, F5 gets, and F6 saves standard comments). F7 and F8 are used in the Quick service order (SQ) program, and in the check writing program. All the notes and mailing letter programs use F9 and F10 for Insert-line and Delete-line.
Function Key Quick Reference & Equivalents:
F1 ("Go" command)= Ctrl-X
F2 (Rapid Access)= Ctrl-W
F3 (INSERT toggle, selection lists or calendar)= Ctrl-T
F4 (Undo or back up)= Ctrl-E
F5 (special functions - see status line)= Ctrl-G
F6 (special functions - see status line)= Ctrl-P
F7 (special functions - see status line)= Ctrl-R
F8 (special functions - see status line)= Ctrl-Z
F9 (special functions - see status line)= Ctrl-N
F10 (special functions - see status line)= Ctrl-D
Control-C key combination:
This is the "break" or "interrupt" key. It will undo any active transactions and return you to the main menu. This key should only be used if you do not care if changes you have made are saved. In WINDOWS, CONTROL-BREAK is identical to Control-C.
Control-U key combination:
Same as "SHIFT-TAB", which is the same as "BACK-TAB". It functions exactly like the TAB key only in the reverse direction.
Escape key:
Usually labeled either "Escape" or "Esc".
Unix: the Esc key is always used in combination with another letter key to execute hotkey programs. To do this, the Esc key and the letter key must be pressed in quick sequence - not at the same time. If the instructions say "Press Esc-C" press the "escape" key, release it, and then quickly press the "C" key (Esc-C runs the Check An Item program, which his used to look up parts).
These hotkey programs are similar in behavior to the Rapid-Access Menu (F2 key), except instead of displaying a menu, they will immediately execute a specific program. For instance, "Esc-C" runs "Check An Item. "Esc-P" brings up the Phone Book.
Windows: On Windows Systems the ESC key functions the same as F4. To execute the hotkey programs, user the ALT key in place of ESC.
For a complete list of hotkey programs, press "Esc-H", which brings up the Help program, and then, as indicated on the status line, press "K" for Keyboard Help".
Escape-right-arrow:
This key combination will move the cursor to the "end" of the line during a data entry operation.
Escape-left-arrow:
This key combination will move the cursor to the "beginning" of the line during a data entry operation.