Function keys

[stevekim]

Hopefully someone will find this useful:

I have found a way to get the function keys on my MBPro to map cleanly, without giving up Expose support. Here's what I did:

In OSX, go to System Prefs > Keyboard & Mouse > Keyboard
Check the 'Use the F1-F12 keys to control software features'
System Prefs > Universal Access
Check the 'Enable access for assistive devices' box


With these settings:

fn+F9 is 'keyboard backlight dim'
F9 activates my 'Expose, all windows' in OSX
AND F9 acts like a real F9 in my WinXP VM ('toggle breakpoint' in VisualStudio)

Note that for the F9 to work in the WinXP VM, I have to have the Parallels window as the "active window" (click inside the Parallels window).

[tgafford]

boy is that ever counter-intuitive, who would have known to look there? thanks! but this suggests a design issue for Parallels. When the Windows window has focus or is in full-screen, I shouldn't have to do anything special in OSX config other than make Fn keys go to software instead of machine config, the Fn keys should just go right to Windows.

[darkone]

the Fn keys should just go right to Windows.

but i like being able to adjust brightness and volume with the function keys. If windows took control i would have to switch out of coherence and focus on an osx application, adjust the desired preference and return to windows... not ideal :(

[uwe.heyroth]

My wife accidentally found out, that you can have the best of both worlds.

Goto

# System Prefs > Universal Access
# Un-Check the 'Enable access for assistive devices' box

When you are in a Windows session, function keys F1 to F8 will act as standard Windows function keys. To access F9 to F12 press the Apple-Key AND the desired function key simultaneously.

There you are. All funtion keys are accessible in Windows sessions and F9 to F12 act as expected for OS X.

Hope this helps.

[David5000]

Goto # System Prefs > Universal Access # Un-Check the 'Enable access for assistive devices' box

Yes, except that you have to have "Enable access for assistive devices" checked to run Mac programs such as TypeIt4Me, and Typinator, among many others.

On the other hand, checking it breaks Command+Shift+3 and Command+Shift+4 to take a screen shot while in Parallels.

David