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Subject:Re: Shortcut vs. Accelerator keys From:Buck & Tilly Buchanan <writer -at- DHC -dot- NET> Date:Thu, 5 Jun 1997 17:23:25 -0500
joanne grey wrote:
>
> Melonie Holliman wrote:
> > We are having a little debate regarding what to call those
> > quick keys (you know: Alt & Ctrl plus some other key or keys).
> > Right now we are calling both "Accelerator keys". It has been
> > suggested we call the Alt + menu combination "Shortcut keys"
> > and the Ctrl + key "Accelerator keys".
>
> Melonie, this might be of some help, assuming you care about what
> Microsoft thinks at all. :-)
>
> >From the Microsoft Manual of Style:
>
> Accelerator Key
> Avoid; use shortcut key instead in all documentation. The term refers to
> a keyboard key or key combination that invokes a particular command,
> such as CTRL+N or CTRL+S. Reserve accelerator key for technical
> discussions about programming the keys, and only where necessary to
> preserve consistency with the interface or past documentation.
>
> Shortcut Key
> Refers to a keyboard key or key combination that invokes a particular
> command such as CTRL+N or CTRL+S. Use this term in all documentation,
> including technical documentation in which you are referring to the
> interface. In discussions about programming the keys, you can use
> accelerator key.
> If you need to specify the term, use the singular form when only one key
> is required: "Press the shortcut key F1 for Help." Otherwise, use the
> plural: "Press the shortcut keys CTRL+N to open a new file." But in
> general avoid the term, using the key name or key combination only:
> "Press F1 for Help."
>
I believe your reply is better than mine. Since the question didn't
specify for what purpose the key combination was to be used, activating
a TSR came to mind for me because I use Snagit and other screen capture
TSRs very frequently. My answer is still correct for that purpose;
yours for shortcuts to menu commands.
Sorry if my answer confused anyone.
Buck Buchanan
writer -at- dhc -dot- net
Arlington, TX
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