MappingWindowsKey

Revision 2 as of 2005-12-17 18:37:26

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Mapping The Windows Key

This very small guide explains how to map the Windows key in order to use it as a modifier, under Ubuntu. This guide also shows how to map common Windows Key shortcuts so that the behavior is similar to how Windows users are used to doing things. The whole thing is very simple, and if you want to include (or link to this) from other pages, feel free to do so.

Step 1 - Creating .xstartup file

We will need to edit your /home/user/.xstartup file. If you have one, edit it (with whatever text editor you work best with). If it does not exist, simply create it. Easiest way to do this is to open Text Editor (under Applications, Accessories) and then save the file as /home/user/.xstartup

Paste the following in the file: 

# Make the Windows key a useable mod key:
xmodmap -e "remove mod4 = F13"
xmodmap -e "keycode 115 = Super_L"
xmodmap -e "add mod4 = Super_L"

Note: You can type the three commands directly in a terminal window to test them. If the first command spits out commandline:1: bad remove modifier keysym list (empty), then simply delete it or add a # before it to comment it out.

Source of this code: [http://www.interstice.com/journals/Simon/20030911.html]

Step 2 - Mapping Keys

In order to create your key shortcuts, you will need to open the Keyboard Shortcuts window from the System / Preferences menu. Click on the shorcut you want to create, then make your key combination. For example, if you want to copy the "Run" dialog box from Windows (Win+R), just click on Show the panel run application dialog, then press WIN+R at the same time.

Common Win Shortcuts

  • Win+R Show the panel run application dialog Windows equivalend: Run dialog

  • Win+E Home Folder Windows equivalend: Windows Explorer (or My Documents)

  • Win+L Logout Windows equivalend: Shutdown

  • Win+F Search Windows equivalend: Search Files or Folders

  • Win+M Hide all windows and focus desktop Windows equivalend: Show Desktop

Step 3 - Creating Custom mappings

To Be Done...