The PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard) and PowerBook (FireWire) have a multi-function keyboard. This article describes the different functions of the keyboard and how to utilize them.

Your PowerBook comes with a built-in keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard includes:

- a numeric keypad incorporated in the PowerBook keyboard .
- controls to adjust the brightness of the display, and the volume of the PowerBook speakers and external audio port.

Using the numeric keypad

Your PowerBook keyboard has a built-in numeric keypad.

To activate the numeric keypad:

Press the Num Lock key. When the keypad is active, the green light next to the key is on.

Using the Keyboard Control Panel

You can set up the keyboard in the Mac OS (using the Keyboard control panel) so the function keys are primary and the brightness, volume, and other controls are not active until you press the Fn key.

To do this, open the Keyboard control panel and click on the Options button.

By selecting the Function Keys checkbox, F1 through F12 become the primary function keys.

Example:

- With this button checked - you will have to hold down the FN key while selecting the brightness up for it to work.
- With this button unchecked - you just press the brightness key and it will work.

Note : When the built-in keypad is activated, only keys used for the keypad are enabled. Keys not used in the numeric keypad and keyboard equivalents for menu commands are disabled.

Note : Using the key caps Desk Accessory is a great way to determine which mode the keyboard is in and which keys are active.

To turn off the numeric keypad:
Press the Num Lock key.

Adjusting the volume

You can adjust the volume of the internal speakers by using the volume and mute keys on the PowerBook keyboard.

The volume control keys, along with the brightness and other keys, can also be used as function keys (F1 - F12). To use the keys as function keys, press the function (Fn) key.

Adjusting the brightness of the internal display

You can adjust the brightness of the internal display with the brightness keys on the PowerBook keyboard.

Brightness controls

The brightness control keys, along with the volume and other keys, can also be used as function keys (F1 - F12). To use the keys as function keys, press the function (Fn) key.

Locking your keyboard

To protect the internal components of your PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze keyboard), such as the memory module and hard disk, you can lock the PowerBook keyboard.

To lock the keyboard, use a flathead screwdriver to turn the keyboard locking screw clockwise 5 turns.

Note: PowerBook (FireWire) keyboards have a locking screw located between the F4 and F5 keys. Turn the screw one half turn to lock orunlock the keyboard.