Switching between Function Keys (Fn) and 'Multimedia/Control' Keys

[shifter]

There is a swtich in the BIOS that is supposedly for switching the Fn and Multimedia/Control keys but I can't see it working on mine.

For example: The standard out-of-the-box setting is that I tap F5 and the action performed is "Sleep" (half moon icon).

In the 5101 BIOS, we have the ever wonderful hard to understand descriptions common to almost every computer I have ever used. At this location:

System Configuration > Swap Fn/Ctrl Keys (enable or disable)

... we have the option to do something about the Fn and Ctrl (Multimedia/Control) keys. When the option is "Disable", my Mini uses the Multimedia/Control set except before POSTing.

When I change this to "Enable" the keys are not swapped at all! Am I misinterpreting this option? Is there a way to get this changed so that the Fn keys are the primary action?

[ilfretz]

Hello Shifter,

Thanks for the comment on this issue. However, this did not happend till after applying all the security patches, updates and kernal update from the Novel site.

I rebooted the computer and all seems to be working as normal and no error messages. Then I started to play around with the mini and noticed the 2 quick launch short cut buttons e.g. Web(Firefox) and Email(Evolution) does not function like it did before updating the computer.

PS These quick launch buttons for internet & email was working fine before I applied the updates. I Googled this issue and found your reply. But I am stumpped as why would the updates change theses options.

[ilfretz]

HP Mini Notebook 5101 - Reverse Function Key Operations with "Fn" Key Switch
Information

Fn key switch is a new option in the BIOS on the 2009 HP Mini 5101 Notebook.
The settings for the function keys can be reversed in the F10 BIOS.
Details

On the Device Configurations page, under the System Configuration menu, you can set the Fn key switch option to either enabled or disabled.
Enabled - The Fn key is required for system functions.
Disabled - This is the default and allows the system functions to be accessed by pressing one key only.

What is not changing?
Before the operating system starts, the function keys operate as usual, irrespective of whether the user setting is disabled or enabled. The Windows key combinations ignore the Fn key functions. For example, Windows +F1 combination always launches the Help operation.

Other keys that need the Fn key should continue to utilize the Fn key combination.
For example, the HP Mini 5101 (commercial only) outputs the Print Screen operation when the Fn + Insert combination is pressed.
The HP Mini 5101 (commercial only) supports reverse function keys technology.

I don't think this applies to the quick launch button for web / email. I might be wrong