IBM Rapid Access Keyboard

Welcome to the IBM Rapid Access Keyboard.  Choose one of the topics below to learn more about using your keyboard:

About the Rapid Access Keyboard  Customizing Your Keyboard  Setting Up Customizable Buttons   Labeling Customizable Buttons  Disabling Rapid Access Buttons  Customizing the On-Screen Display  Using Rapid Access Buttons  Troubleshooting Problems with the Keyboard  Arranging Your Work Area


 About the Rapid Access Keyboard

The IBM Rapid Access Keyboard makes computing in Windows 95 more convenient than ever by providing quick access to your most commonly performed tasks.  The keyboard provides 14 Rapid Access buttons that perform various tasks including accessing Windows 95 help, CD and audio controls, and Suspend mode.

Four of the buttons are customizable, so you can set them up to start your most commonly used applications or files. This allows you to go straight to a file or program with the press of a button instead of having to click an icon or search for a program in the Windows 95 Start menu.  For example, if you frequently browse the Internet, you can set up one of the customizable buttons to launch your Web browser, or if you work on the same file often, you can set up another button to open that file.

See also:

Using Rapid Access Buttons

Setting Up the Customizable Buttons

Trademarks


Customizing Your Keyboard

Select one of the choices below to customize your keyboard or modify its functions.

Setting Up the Customizable Buttons

Labeling Customizable Buttons

Customizing the On-Screen Display

Disabling the Rapid Access Buttons


Setting Up the Customizable Buttons

You can set up the four customizable buttons to start your most commonly used applications or files.

To set up a customizable button for the first time, press that button on your keyboard.  This step will start the Rapid Access software.  Click Customize and follow the panels to choose a program or file to launch.  When you have customized one button, click Customize Another to work on another button.  When you have customized all of the buttons you would like to change, click Finish to save the changes and exit.

You can reset the customizable buttons at any time by starting the Rapid Access software.  To restart the Rapid Access software from the Windows 95 desktop, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then double-click Keyboard (Rapid Access).

See also:

Using Customizable Buttons

Labeling Customizable Buttons

If You Can't Find the Program You Are Looking For


Using Rapid Access Buttons

To use any of the fourteen Rapid Access buttons on your keyboard, press on the button.  For more information, see one of the topics below:

Using Customizable Buttons

Using the Suspend Button

Using the Help Button

Using the CD and Audio Controls


Using Customizable Buttons

To use the four customizable buttons:

1.	Make sure that the customizable button is set up to do the function you want it to do. If not, see Setting Up the Customizable Buttons.

2.	Press the customizable button. This step will start the program or file associated with the button.  Some programs, if previously started with a Rapid Access button, support a special feature:  if the program is running but is minimized or in the background, pressing the button will bring it to the foreground.  If the program is running in the active window and was started with the Rapid Access button, pressing the button will minimize the program.  (Note:  this feature will not work for all programs.)

See also:

Using the Suspend Button

Using the Help Button

Using the CD and Audio Controls


Using the Suspend Button

Press the Suspend button to switch your computer to its low-power state. The button will light up when the computer is in Suspend mode.

Press the Suspend button again when you are ready to use the computer.  This will return the computer to its previous state.

See also:

If the Suspend Button Does Not Work Correctly


Using the Help Button

Press the Help button to start Windows 95 Help.

See also:

If the Help Button Does Not Work Correctly


Using the CD and Audio Controls

To use the CD and audio controls, follow the instructions below:

•	To play the CD in your CD-ROM drive, press the Play CD button.

•	To control your audio CD, press the Stop, Pause, Next, and Previous buttons.

•	To increase the audio volume, press the Volume Up toggle switch.  To decrease the audio volume, press the Volume Down toggle switch.

•	To mute the sound on the computer, press the Mute button. The Mute light will blink to indicate that the sound has been muted.  To turn the sound back on, press the Mute button again.

See also:

If the CD and Audio Control Buttons Do Not Work


Labeling Customizable Buttons

The customizable buttons come with a label to show which program or file will start when you press each button. After you customize these buttons to start your favorite program or file, you might want to customize the button label.

To change the label for the customizable buttons:

1.	Grasp the right edge of the clear label cover (near the indent) and unclip it from the keyboard.

2.	Remove the paper labels. There should be two sets of labels. Look for the label with a blank next to the button you have customized.

3.	Write in the name of the program or file you assigned to the button.

4.	Replace the label to show your new button assignment.

5.	Replace the clear label cover. It should snap into place.

See also:

Setting Up the Customizable Buttons


Customizing the On-Screen Display

When you install the Rapid Access software, it is set to display the name of the program or file you are starting when you press the customizable button.  This on-screen display is preset to bold Arial Narrow, 24-point font, as shown below:

Netscape Navigator

To change the font characteristics for the on-screen display:

1.	 Start the Rapid Access software.  Click Customize.

2.	 In the Customization panel, click Preferences...

3.	 In the Rapid Access Buttons Preferences dialog box, click Font.

4.	 In the Font dialog box, choose the settings you want and then click OK.

5.	 In the Preferences dialog box, click OK.

6.	 In the Customization panel, click Cancel to exit the Rapid Access software.

To disable the on-screen display:

1.	 Start the Rapid Access software.  Click Customize.

2.	 In the Customization panel, click Preferences...

3.	 In the Preferences dialog box, click Disable on-screen display.

4.	 Click OK.

5.	 In the Customization panel, click Cancel to exit the Rapid Access software.

See also:

Setting Up the Customizable Buttons


Disabling the Rapid Access Buttons

The Rapid Access Keyboard by default enables all fourteen Rapid Access buttons (Suspend, Windows 95 help, four customizable buttons, and CD and audio controls).  However, if you want to turn off all of the buttons, you can disable the Rapid Access buttons in the Preferences dialog box.

To disable the Rapid Access buttons:

1.	 Start the Rapid Access software .

2.	 In the Rapid Access software’s first panel, click Customize.

3.	 In the Customization panel, click Preferences...

4.	 In the Preferences dialog box, click Disable Rapid Access Buttons.

5.	 Click OK.

6.	 In the Customization panel, click Cancel to exit the Rapid Access software.


Troubleshooting Problems with the Keyboard

If you are having difficulty with your Rapid Access Keyboard, click the item below that best describes the problem:

If You Can’t Find the Program You Are Looking for When Setting Up Customizable Buttons

If the Suspend Button Does Not Work Correctly

If the Help Button Does Not Work Correctly

If the CD and Audio Control Buttons Do Not Work

If None of the Buttons Work

If Your System Locks Up

If One Button Press Seems Like Two

For All Other Problems


If the Suspend Button Does Not Work Correctly

If your computer powers down when you press the Suspend button but does not return to its full-power state when you select it a second time, or if you press the button and nothing happens, your system's power management software may not support this function.  If the Suspend function is not supported on your computer, you should not use that button on your keyboard.

Your computer must be running Windows 95 Version 4.00.950B or greater, with hardware support for Advanced Power Management (APM) Level 1.1 or greater, for the Suspend button to function properly. On some systems (particularly laptop systems), the Suspend button may put the system into a low-power state but may not be able to take it out when you press the button again. If this happens on your computer, check the documentation that came with your computer to find out more about your computer's power management system.

To find out if your computer supports the Suspend function, check the Start menu to see if there is a Suspend option listed there.  If there is a Suspend option listed, try selecting it.  Your system should go into a low-power state.  Moving the mouse should bring it back. If your computer does have a Suspend function listed on the Start menu, but the function does not work when you select it, the Suspend button on your keyboard will not work either.

You can also select Power from the Windows 95 Control Panel to modify your computer’s power management settings (click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then double-click Power).  See the documentation that came with your computer for more information about your computer’s power management settings.


If the Help Button Does Not Work Correctly

If the Help button does not start Windows 95 Help, make sure that Windows 95 Help works.  From the Start Menu, select Help.  If you are not able to access Help from there, make sure that Windows 95 Help was installed when Windows 95 was installed on your computer.  Refer to your hardcopy Windows 95 documentation for more information.


If You Can't Find the Program You Are Looking For

If you are customizing your Rapid Access buttons and can't find the program or file you want (such as your Internet browser, word processor, or favorite game), try the following steps:

1.  Make sure that the second option is selected in the Customize screen shown below: This option displays all programs loaded on your system:

2.  If you still do not see your choice, try selecting the third option, which displays all files on your system.


If the CD and Audio Control Buttons Do Not Work

If your CD control buttons on the keyboard do not work, check to see if any CD player software is open on your computer’s Windows 95 desktop.  If so, close the CD software and press the CD control buttons again.  This step should start the CD with the Windows 95 CD player.

To test whether the system sound is working correctly, test an audio CD with the Windows 95 CD player: click Start, Programs, Accessories, Multimedia, CD Player.  If you do not have a system sound card or the one you have is not detected, you will receive an error message letting you know there might be a problem with the sound card.  See the documentation that came with your computer or sound card for more information.


If None of the Buttons Work

If none of the buttons on your Rapid Access Keyboard work, make sure that the Rapid Access buttons are enabled in the Preferences menu inside the Rapid Access software.

To enable the buttons:

1.	 Start the Rapid Access software.

2.	 In the first panel of the software, click Customize.

3.	 In the Customization panel, click Preferences.

4.	 Click Enable Rapid Access Buttons, and then click OK.

5.	Click Cancel to exit the software.

If you are typing and letters do not appear on the screen, make sure that the keyboard is plugged into your computer.


If Your System Locks Up

If you experience lockups while using your Rapid Access Keyboard, reboot the computer and avoid moving the mouse (or the built-in pointing device on a laptop computer) while pressing a Rapid Access Button.  Also avoid moving your mouse or pointing device while the Rapid Access software is initializing during startup.  On some computers (particularly laptop systems), this might cause conflicts that lock up your computer.


If One Button Press Seems Like Two

If you press a Rapid Access button and your computer seems to detect multiple button pushes, change your keyboard’s Repeat Delay settings:

1.	Select Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then double-click Keyboard (not the Rapid Access keyboard).

2.	Select the Speed tab, move the Repeat Delay slider all the way to the right side (labeled “Short”), and click OK.


For All Other Problems

For all other problems, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the Rapid Access software:

1.	From the Windows 95 desktop, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then double-click Add/Remove Programs.

2.	Select IBM Rapid Access Keyboard from the list and click Add/Remove…

3.	When the software is uninstalled, place the Rapid Access Keyboard CD in your CD-ROM drive and select Start, Run, and type x:\setup.exe (where x is your CD-ROM drive)

You can also check the IBM Personal Computing Web site for software updates:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/

From this page, select a country, and then select the Options by IBM category.

If you follow these instructions and still have a problem, refer to the Help and Service section of the IBM Rapid Access Keyboard User's Guide.


Arranging Your Work Area

Your Rapid Access Keyboard will make working with your computer easier and more convenient than ever. When you arrange your computer, position your monitor and keyboard directly in front of you.  Try to position the mouse to the side of the keyboard.  The keyboard and mouse should be close to your body.  Avoid reaching too far to use the keyboard and mouse.

If your computer has a tower, the tower is usually kept on the floor under or beside your desk.  Be sure to place it in an area that will not block the space you need to put your legs under the work surface.

Remember to allow space in your work area for other items you might need such as reference books, document holders, notebooks, and diskette or CD-ROM holders.

Positioning the Keyboard

•	Make sure the keyboard height is comfortable for typing.

•	When you type, keep your forearms parallel to the floor and relax your shoulders and upper arms.  Your elbows should form a 90 degree angle.

•	Type with a light touch, keeping your hands and fingers relaxed.  Your wrists should also be straight.

•	If you choose to use the wristrest that came with your keyboard, do not rest your hands on the wristrest or desktop while you are typing.  Instead, use the wristrest only when resting.  If you prefer not to use the wristrest, you may remove it and use the keyboard without it.

Positioning the Mouse

•	Position your mouse on the same surface as your keyboard so that they are at the same level.  Allow enough space so that you can use your mouse without stretching or leaning over.

•	When you use the mouse, hold it lightly with all your fingers and click gently.  Move the mouse with your entire arm instead of only using your wrist.

Positioning the Monitor

•	Place the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually 20 to 24 inches away.  You can also use the length of your arm to determine a comfortable viewing distance.

•	Adjust your monitor so the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level.

•	Keep the screen clean.  For cleaning instructions, refer to the documentation that came with your monitor.

•	If you place the monitor near a window, consider using curtains or blinds to minimize glare from sunlight.  Also be sure to keep the monitor perpendicular to the windows to reduce glare when the curtains or blinds are open.  Try to avoid placing the monitor directly in front of a window.

•	Use dim room lighting.  If you need more light on your work, you should position the light so it shines on your work surface but not onto the monitor screen.

•	Use the monitor controls to adjust the screen’s brightness and contrast levels to a comfortable level.  You may have to do this more than once a day if the light in the room changes.  For monitor control adjustment, refer to the documentation that came with your monitor.

•	When your eyes focus on a specific object for a long period of time, they may become tired.  If you spend a lot of time looking at your screen, remember to take frequent breaks.  Look up periodically and focus on an object that is further away.  This will give the muscles in your eyes a chance to relax.

Choosing a Chair

•	Use a chair that gives you good back support.

•	When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are resting flat on the floor or on a footrest.  Your knees should form a 90 degree angle.

For more detailed information and tips about how to use your keyboard, visit the IBM healthy computing web page at

www.pc.ibm.com/healthycomputing


Starting Rapid Access Software

To restart the Rapid Access software from the Windows 95 desktop, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Keyboard (Rapid Access).


Trademarks

IBM is a trademark of IBM Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows 95 logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.