<P> In addition to being mapped to standard keyboard keys like Scroll Lock and Num Lock, the Fn key combinations may also be mapped to control system interfaces to change the LCD brightness, VGA output, or speaker volume on most laptop computers . </P> <P> There is not yet an agreed - upon standard for the placement of the Fn key, although most manufacturers have elected to place it alongside a shrunken and / or displaced left Control key . Because the Control key is most frequently associated with OS and application shortcuts (such as Control + S to save a document, or Control + Shift + Escape to launch the Task Manager in modern versions of Microsoft Windows) altering its size and placement is often regarded as inconvenient for users accustomed to the larger left Control key on IBM PC - style keyboards commonly used for desktop computers . </P> <P> The majority of portable computer manufacturers today (including HP, Dell, and Samsung) currently place the Fn key between the left Control key and the left Windows key, making it the second key from the left on the bottom row of the keyboard . This usually means that the Control key is reduced in size, but allows it to remain in the lowest - left position on the keyboard . </P> <P> Conversely, Lenovo currently arrange keyboards on their ThinkPad computers with the Fn key as the lowest - left, making Control the second - from - left on the bottom row . This arrangement is currently unique to ThinkPads amongst all laptops shipped with Windows, but it is one that has been in place since the modern ThinkPad product line was introduced by IBM in 1992 . IBM designers rationalised that since the Fn key was used to control features that in some cases had no other physical or software controls (for example, the ThinkLight keyboard - illumination lamp, which is switched only by the Fn + PgUp keys), the Fn key should have the more prominent position on the keyboard . Notably, IBM did not include Windows keys on any of their keyboards until 2006, which meant that though the left Control key was displaced by the Fn key, neither it nor the left Alt key needed to be made smaller . The inclusion of Windows keys on ThinkPad models from mid-2006 onwards was achieved mainly by shrinking the left Alt key, which means that ThinkPad keyboards now generally have larger left Control keys than those of many other manufacturers, and are unique in preserving on laptops the Control; Windows; Alt key arrangement used on most desktop keyboards . </P>

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