This message is a good example of why at least some of the previous message needs to be left for reference. Until now I had no idea what Alberto's bit of hurling something from a window had to do with. And yes, I to remember blank keys! Colleen -----Original Message----- Subject: Re: [pbs] Keyboard was Rubber mulch Tim wrote to Alberto > Looks like you are having trouble with your "v". When I called tech > support for the same problem, they told me to turn the keyboard over > and smack it on my desk Alberto replied > The problem is that it is brand new and not cheap: I was wondering if > hurling it through the window nine stories down would not fix it. Most more-expensive keyboards have keys that can be removed for cleaning, or pranks on teachers, fellow workers or relatives. There is a special tool for this purpose, often available at computer stores. A small 2-tined fork, such as a pickle fork, can also be used for this purpose, as can a nutpick. A nine-story drop with some added kinetic energy at the start will cause the V key to behave the same as the other keys. A given spot on the keyboard will always produce the same letter no matter what is printed on the key. Key assignment can be changed with software. A good prank is to remove the keys and then put them back on the keyboard in alphabetical order. Or, see how many bulbous genera you can spell out without reusing keys. (Bulb content alert.) Years ago in high school/secondary school I took typing tests on manual typewriters whose keys had been replaced overnight by the teacher with blank keys. Leo Martin Phoenix Arizona USA