Function key and fn + Delete
- Thread starter HansL
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I don't think that would work because the Fn key is a toggle for the Function keys.
It toggles between what is printed on the key (dashboard, volume etc...) and regular function (cut, copy, paste, etc..).
It toggles between what is printed on the key (dashboard, volume etc...) and regular function (cut, copy, paste, etc..).
vansmith
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Moved to more appropriate forum - please read the forum descriptions in the future.
Even if this was possible, it's probably not worth doing given that you'd lose any functionality made possible by using it as a modifier key.
Even if this was possible, it's probably not worth doing given that you'd lose any functionality made possible by using it as a modifier key.
I do not see the connection with reprogramming a Function key to "Fn + Delete" (which is Delete) and the fact that the Fn key is a toggle for the Function keys. But, as I said, I am new here.
Hans L
Sorry that I posted in the wrong forum. Dare I ask where you moved it?
If what I asked was possible, it would be worth it to me. Calling the backspace function "Delete" is bs, and only defended by Apple apologists. The fact that it sometimes delete (when you highlight text and press Delete), makes things even worse. (By the way, highlighted text in the PC world is deleted whether you press the backspace key OR the delete key.)
So, any suggestions on how to reprogram a function key to become Delete (deleting characters to the right of the cursor)?
Thanks,
Hans L
M
MacInWin
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But that is exactly the same thing. When you select text and delete it, the cursor actually goes to the left, exactly as it does without anything selected. So the key is consistent. It may not be what you want, but it is consistent.
C
chas_m
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The idea that you need two keys to do something as simple as backspace and delete is an idea only defended by Windows apologists who can't be bothered to open their minds a bit. 
vansmith
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See the top of the page.
The key deletes content so it does exactly what's advertised. Because it's called something different somewhere else doesn't make it wrong.
Regardless, there's no need to make this into a Windows/Mac debate discussion - they're tiring, utterly useless and unproductive. We all know how they end anyway.
The idea that you need two keys to do something as simple as backspace and delete is an idea only defended by Windows apologists who can't be bothered to open their minds a bit.
Touche.
Hans L
The idea that you need two keys to do something as simple as backspace and delete is an idea only defended by Windows apologists who can't be bothered to open their minds a bit.
While I appreciate your getting-back-at-me "apologists" comment(seriously!), I do not agree with the "two keys" thing. If that would be a guide, copy/paste, page up/page down, home/end etc, etc, could be treated the same way (I am not sure that all of these keys are relevant for the Mac, because I have a very simple keyboard).
But, as vansmith said, we should not argue about whether mac or PC is better. That was originally not my intent; I just wanted to see if I could get some keys the way I want them.
Regards,
Hans L
Thanks, MacInWin, I will try your suggestions. Thanks also for telling me where the post is; I think I clicked on the URL in my email notification, so I came to the right place without even knowing where it was
Hans L
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Hi HansL
I think that the Apple philosophy, if I may call it that, is that you can never permanently delete anything without carrying at least 2 actions. For example, cmd + backspace (2 keys) deletes to Trash. Even then, you must open Trash, hit the delete key and still you are asked "sure?".
This also applies to Apple apps, iTunes, iPhoto, Aperture. In each case, at least 2 actions are required to delete.
In fact, in iPhoto and Aperture, Delete moves the items into their own embedded Trash. To delete permanently, you have to right click on the iPhoto/Aperture Trash and delete. Even after all that, the items are moved to the main Desktop Trash and you have to go through the process again.
Tiresome to some, great safeguard to the many.
Ian
I think that the Apple philosophy, if I may call it that, is that you can never permanently delete anything without carrying at least 2 actions. For example, cmd + backspace (2 keys) deletes to Trash. Even then, you must open Trash, hit the delete key and still you are asked "sure?".
This also applies to Apple apps, iTunes, iPhoto, Aperture. In each case, at least 2 actions are required to delete.
In fact, in iPhoto and Aperture, Delete moves the items into their own embedded Trash. To delete permanently, you have to right click on the iPhoto/Aperture Trash and delete. Even after all that, the items are moved to the main Desktop Trash and you have to go through the process again.
Tiresome to some, great safeguard to the many.
Ian
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