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 Function Keys – Explained
Function keys (F1, F2, etc.) are used by operating systems (e.g., Windows, Mac OS) or programs (Word, Excel, etc.) to perform certain actions. Originally, they were used in the DOS days to either begin, interrupt, or end a computer task. Today these keys still serve some purpose:
- F1 = Help. Brings up a help module in almost every program.
- F2 = Edit. In Excel and PowerPoint you can edit the contents of a highlighted cell, text box, or object.
 In Windows you can edit the file name of a highlighted file (as shown in the graphic to the right).
- F3 = Search. This key brings up Search in any web browser (such as Explorer or Firefox).
- F4 = Repeat. In Word it repeats the last word you typed. In PowerPoint it repeats the last character you typed.
- F5 = Refresh, Go To, Find/Replace. For many web browsers, F5 initiates a window to refresh. In Word it brings up the Go To/Find/Replace window. In Excel it brings up only the Go To window. PowerPoint uses this to begin a slide show.
- F6 = Address Bar. In most browsers this will move your cursor to the address bar.
- F7 = Spell Check. Opens spell check in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- F8 = Safe Mode (prior to Windows loading). Use it to load Windows in Safe Mode or to enter the Windows startup menu.
- F9 = No Use.
- F10 = No Use.
- F11 = Full Screen. Toggle between full screen mode in web browsers.
- F12 = No Use.
Excel – How to Select Multiple Cells
 There are two ways to select cells in Excel. One method selects cells that are adjacent and the other lets you choose cells from multiple places on your spreadsheet.
- Shift – By pressing Shift and using your cursor you can highlight a series of cells – but they have to be adjacent to each other.
- Ctrl – If you press Ctrl and use your cursor you can pick (highlight) only the cells you want – whether they are adjacent or not.
Scientific Posters – Tips and Tricks
Creating an effective scientific poster can be a challenge. There are a lot of things to consider – size, look, content, timing, printing, etc. We have worked with a lot of clients over the years producing scientific posters and offer the following advice to make the process go smoothly.
1. Know the poster requirements for the congress you are presenting at – poster dimensions and orientation (landscape or portrait).
2. Know your organization’s specifications for scientific posters. Is there an existing template design that you are required to use? If not, you will need to have a template created by an experienced designer.
3. Map out your timeline (Excel works great for this). Work backwards from the date of presentation and remember to add time for multiple revisions and print/shipping time.
4. Gather all the necessary content and remember that your graphics need to be high resolution to ensure clarity on the enlarged poster. Avoid using graphics from the web – they will be grainy and hard to see.
5. Set aside plenty of time for reviewing, editing, and approving.
6. Now, for the most important hint – find a good print partner who has been providing scientific poster services for the healthcare industry for years! Why? Because they understand the demands you are under and can guide you through the process.
To see an expanded list of these tips and tricks for scientific posters – click here.
We have been providing full-service scientific poster development to the healthcare industry for more than 25 years. All work is performed in-house and we have the experts to make your next scientific poster project go smoothly. To find out more, click here, email us, or call us at 203-934-4275.
Fun Facts for February – Mardi Gras
(In Honor of the Saints’ Superbowl Win)
 Mardi Gras translated from French means Fat ("Gras") and Tuesday ("Mardi"). - It occurs 46 days before Easter. Since the actual date Easter occurs on changes yearly, Mardi Gras can happen on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. This year (2010) Fat Tuesday occurs on February 16.
- Mardi Gras ends at the stroke of midnight on the Tuesday before Lent begins (Ash Wednesday).
- Surprisingly, Mardi Gras in America was begun in Mobile, Alabama (not New Orleans) in 1703, a year after its founding. In 1857, members of a Mobilian mystic society brought Mardi Gras to New Orleans.
- Mardi Gras is well-known for costumes and masks. The early masks were often caricatures of individuals from traditional folklore or made fun of certain officials/royalty while celebrating others. Because Mardi Gras is a time of gluttony and “sin” before Lent, the masks became a way for party-goers to be wild and indulge in sinful behavior without being recognized.
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