Blackberry dummies 2 Manual page 38

18
Part I: Meet and Greet Your BlackBerry Storm
✓ Virtual SureType keyboard: This keyboard layout appears while you're
typing with your Storm in portrait mode. Each virtual SureType key
contains two letters. If you tweak the Screen/Keyboard Options, the
SureType keyboard will not show up.
✓ Escape key: This key cancels a selection or returns you to a previous
page in an application. The escape key is the arrow key to the left of the
end key.
✓ Menu key (BlackBerry key): This key displays the full menu of the applica-
tion you're using. Also, if you press and hold the menu key, it shows you a
list of applications currently running. It's like pressing Alt+Tab on a PC. See
the "Switching applications" section, at the end of the chapter, for more.
✓ Convenience keys: Your BlackBerry Storm has two convenience keys
that are, by default, preprogrammed to open an application. In Chapter 3,
we show you how to reprogram the convenience keys to display the
programs you use the most.
✓ microSD slot: You can access the microSD slot by removing the back
cover, but without removing the battery. The microSD slot is a crucial
element of your BlackBerry media experience.
✓ Send key: This key takes you straight to the Phone application, regard-
less of which application you're currently using. If you're already in the
Phone application, the send key starts dialing the number you entered.
✓ End/Power key: Use this key to end your call. If you're not on a phone
call, this key allows you to jump back to the Home screen from wherever
you are. Press and hold this key to turn your BlackBerry on or off.
Most BlackBerry users exit an application to return to the Home screen by
pressing the End key. However, this doesn't actually close the application;
instead, it leaves it the app running in the background. Yes, your Storm is
a multitasking machine! (Holding down the menu key for an extra moment
displays all open apps, allowing you to move between them quickly.)
Although multitasking is a benefit, leaving an unused app running hogs your
Storm's precious memory resources, especially when that app is pulling
data in regularly over your wireless connection. Make it a habit to close
unused applications. You can do this by pressing the menu key in an open
application and touch-pressing Close, which is typically the last choice
on an app's menu. You can also back your way out of most open apps by
pressing the Escape/Back key repeatedly until you reach the Home screen.
Closing unused apps helps keep your Storm running lightning fast.
✓ Mute key: Use this key to mutes a call when you're on a call.
✓ Lock key: Press this key to quickly lock the BlackBerry screen. You'd
use this when you want to put your BlackBerry in your pocket and pre-
vent accidental typing, for instance.