Standard Function Keys

This section describes a few of the standard function keys typically found in a windows-based Toolbox. Non-standard function keys that are used for Toolbox-specific operations are not covered here. Only common keys, like Help and Print, are discussed here.

NOTE Function keys are context-sensitive. This means that depending on which screen is active, some or all of these functions will be available for you to use.

HELP

Context-sensitive Help is always assigned to the F1 key. When F1 is pressed, a pop-up help window appears on top of the current display. This window will have a title that describes the general subject of the help material. Within the window, the cursor keys, and keypad keys (PgUp, Home, etc.) can be used to navigate through the text.

For the most part, the help text displayed in the window is based on the action you are trying to accomplish. Once the text is displayed, you can browse through the entire Help subsystem.

The help text for a Toolbox utility is stored in a text file in the HELP group. If you want, this text can be modified to better suit your needs.

PRINT

Pressing F2 outputs a "snap-shot" of the current screen display to either a printer of a disk file. The formal file designator for the output file is LP. Output can be directed to the system line printer by issuing the following file equation:

:FILE LP;DEV=LP

If no file equation is defined for LP, the output is directed to a disk file with the name LP. To direct output to a file with a different name, use a file equation of the form:

:FILE LPSLP=myfile

REFRESH

This function is not always available. When it is available, it is typically accessed through the F5 function key.

The purpose of this operation is to refresh the entire screen display. This is occasionally necessary due to "noisy" connections to the host computer or operator messages that may disrupt the screen.

Most windowed LPS-Tools usually operate in QUIET mode, so TELL messages will not corrupt the display. WARN messages, however, cannot be avoided.

ACCEPT

This function is not always available. When it is available, it is typically accessed through the F6 function key. The purpose of this function is to accept user input from a data entry form.

NOTE In Character mode, this key has the same effect as the Return key. In Block mode, this key is used instead of the Return key.

PREVIOUS and NEXT

PREVIOUS is used in data entry windows to return to the previous field or in menus to return to the previous menu option.

NEXT is used to move to the next data entry field or menu option.

CANCEL or EXIT

These functions are typically available through the F8 function key.

CANCEL is used to terminate the current activity and return you to the previous level of activity. EXIT simply terminates the program.

ZOOM

This function key provides two functions: ZOOM IN and ZOOM OUT. The function key label displays the active function.

ZOOM IN enlarges the current window to take up the entire screen, while ZOOM OUT returns the enlarged window to its original size.