Windows key
From Free net encyclopedia
←Older revision | Newer revision→
The Windows key (in short WinKey, or sometimes Flag key) is the key with the Microsoft Windows logo on 104 and 107 key keyboards, located between the Ctrl and Alt keys. The key is generally used as an accelerator key, in order to make certain repetitive tasks in the Windows shell environment accessible by keystroke. The key was created exclusively for Windows 95 and later operating systems.
When Windows XP came with an updated logo design, keyboard manufacturers changed the Windows keys accordingly.
Its use is not limited to the Windows operating system, however, any operating system with suitable drivers to detect keypresses of the "Windows key" can use the key to automate tasks in software.
Many find this key to be a nuisance, and as such certain software programs exist that can disable the key.
Contents |
Programming
Some keyboards have two Windows keys at the bottom row with one between the Ctrl and Alt keys to the left of the spacebar and the other between the Ctrl and Alt keys to the right of the spacebar. Other keyboards only have the Windows key only on the left.
The scancode for the left Windows key is 0xe05b.
The scancode for the right Windows key is 0xe05c.
Alternative designs
Some keyboard manifacturers produce keyboards that have a Tux Key, one with the Linux mascot Tux, instead of the Windows key. Many Linux users, in fact, felt frustrated at having a Windows-specific logo on their keyboard. Also available on the Internet are stickers and penguin keycaps which can be applied to restyle existing keyboards.
See also
External links
Windows key shortcuts
- What Windows key shortcuts are available and active in a given Windows session depends on many factors, including accessibility options, the type of the session (regular or Terminal Services), the Windows version, the presence of specific software such as IntelliType, and others. This is a list of Microsoft articles where you can find up-to-date information. Be sure to check the "Applies To" and the "Other information" sections for each of them.