Unlike OpenWindows applications, CDE applications use mnemonics, or memorable key combinations, to enable you to select menu items without using the mouse. Mnemonics for a menu item are indicated by an underlined letter in the menu item name, such as the letter F in the File menu in File Manager. You activate a menu by pressing the Alt key and the underlined key, for example Alt+F to activate the File menu in File Manager.
As with OpenWindows, CDE supports the standard keyboards supplied with SunTM WorkstationsTM. For keyboards on x86-based systems, you need to use special key combinations, such as Control+Alt for the Meta key, to emulate keys not provided.
Task or Feature | OpenWindows Method | CDE Method |
---|---|---|
To access a menu | Point and click |
Point and click the mouse. Use keyboard mnemonics (Alt+underlined _key) |
To switch the focus from one application window to another | Click on the window | Click on the window, or press Alt+Tab repeatedly until the window has the focus |
Key mappings | OpenWindows defaults | CDE defaults (same as OpenWindows defaults) |
Delete key | Deletes previous character | Deletes next character |