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Where is the Any Key?

ricembr noted that compaq has finally provided a FAQ to the world to ask that long standing question where is the any key? Pray that this was added to the FAQ as a joke, and not in response to legitimate need ;)

39 of 369 comments (clear)

  1. What? by balloonhead · · Score: 2, Funny
    Is this really a story?

    Slow news-tastic.

    --
    This idea was invented by Shampoo.
  2. "Press Any Key" by Luigi30 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Any key? Where's the any key? I think I'll order a tab. *click* Oh, no time for that, time to work!

    --
    503 Sig Unavailable

    The Signature could not be accessed. Please try again later or contact the administrator
    1. Re:"Press Any Key" by tulare · · Score: 2, Funny
      To idiotically quote something that was utterly idiotic to say in the context it was most imfamously said by a rather famous idiot:
      "Bring 'em on!"
      --
      political_news.c: warning: comparison is always true due to limited range of data type
  3. hmmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Any key is just between the esc key and the enter numpad key. see it's so easy to find ;)

  4. Needs. by saintlupus · · Score: 5, Funny

    not in response to legitimate need ;)

    You've never worked in a call center before, have you?

    I had a caller who borrowed the DSL installation disk from her friend and was trying to install "The Internet" on her DVD player.

    Yes, this FAQ was needed. Desperately.

    --saint

    1. Re:Needs. by tulare · · Score: 4, Funny

      No doubt - I can't tell you how many times I've had to explain to users that they don't need to enter their username and password into our webmail form in order to "log onto the internet." Or had complaints of a computer "always making this error" but never writing it down - that error message is randomly generated and thus meaningless, after all. And so help me, the next time I have someone point to the monitor and call it the "Computer"...

      --
      political_news.c: warning: comparison is always true due to limited range of data type
    2. Re:Needs. by TrekkieGod · · Score: 4, Funny
      And so help me, the next time I have someone point to the monitor and call it the "Computer"...

      Unfortunately, that one is propagated by action movies. It happens in a lot of movies, but the last Tomb Raider comes to mind (don't ask why I went to see it...alright, heck...I'm a nerd, and there was a hot chick on screen). Croft needs to destroy computer so bad guy doesn't get the results of the stuff he was running...so she starts shooting monitors.

      I swear it...I can't help but laugh each time it happens in a movie, and then I get the funny looks from the people around me who are wondering what in that action packed, high-tension situation I find funny.

      --

      Warning: Opinions known to be heavily biased.

    3. Re:Needs. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
      the last Tomb Raider comes to mind (don't ask why I went to see it...)
      I don't need to, my good, sir, as I am a fellow geek. The only two words you must utter are "Angelina Jolie." This gives you a free pass in terms of the embarassment factor of seeing Lara Croft II, because:

      a) Angelina Jolie has tres jolie boobies

      b) Angelina Jolie was Acid Burn in "Hackers"

      No further excuse is required. Angelina Jolie is certified Slashdot wet-dream fodder! The only thing that beats Angelina Jolie is Natalie Portman with hot grits down her pants, and $DEITY knows, none of us have ever really seen that.

      --
      Rate Naked People at Fuck Meter (not work-safe)
    4. Re:Needs. by mechugena · · Score: 3, Funny

      I know about the "mysterious error" thing. I used to work as a consultant for a company. One of our clients had two users whose machines would supposedly crash all the time. I had asked repeatedly for them to help me out and write the error down. They never found time to do that, so over a span of a few months, I ran every service patch and diagnostic on their systems. I even upgraded them both from Win98 to Win2k, but one still seemed to have problems. The only real application they used was Office2k.

      (start rant)
      To make a long story short, their "complaints" about me never fixing the problem (although they never helped me out) probably led to my demise at the company. Fuck them, and fuck my old company.
      (end rant)

    5. Re:Needs. by the_duke_of_hazzard · · Score: 5, Funny

      Best one I ever heard of was someone calling up saying "I've followed all the instructions, used the CD, signed up to an ISP, my browser is showing and my homepage is set to Google. My problem is: what do I do now?" The poor chap had heard the internet was amazing and that he had to get it, had got it, and then had no idea what he'd got it for.

    6. Re:Needs. by questamor · · Score: 4, Funny

      I had to help a friend of mine who had DSL installed, and constantly had problems with it working. Several calls to his ISP later he phoned me. I presumed he was entering his username and password in the right place and DSL wouldn't connect.

      I got to his place and DSl was working fine - the install disk had set his homepage to hotmail.com. That's where he was entering his username and password. Over and over again...

      gah

  5. Huh? by tulare · · Score: 5, Funny

    Oh, wow, they're right... there isn't any "any" key anywhere on my keyboard. I never noticed that - whenever I saw that message on my screen before, I just called my housecat who knows everything about computers and she jumped up on the keyboard and fixed it for me.

    --
    political_news.c: warning: comparison is always true due to limited range of data type
  6. Re:Too bad by Omicron32 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Uhh, 'teh' is a deliberate mis-spelling of 'the'.

    Mainly used by AOLers. :P

    teh w4r3z 4r3 \/1ru53d

  7. not only posted, but modified by Leto-II · · Score: 3, Funny

    From the page:

    Created: 10/8/2001 2:13:42 AM
    Modified: 10/25/2002 11:07:05 AM


    So not only did some people not know where the "any" key was, they felt the first explanation was too complicated!! Hopefully this Oct 25, 2002 answer will last another year or so before it needs to be dumbed down some more...

    --
    Do not anger the worm.
    1. Re:not only posted, but modified by pkaral · · Score: 2, Funny

      From the page:

      Created: 10/8/2001 2:13:42 AM
      Modified: 10/25/2002 11:07:05 AM


      We can only surmise what the previous entry read. Maybe:

      --------
      Compaq FAQ: Where do I find the "Any" key on my keyboard? (FAQ2859)

      The "Any" key is not a single key on your keyboard, but a combination of keys to be pressed simultaneously. Those keys are the ones marked "Ctrl", "Alt" and "Del". After pressing those keys, complete the action by clicking "Shutdown" on that little message box that appears. Having finished this, move away from this and any other computer you might encounter, and live a safe life in the non-digital world.
      --------

  8. Obligatory Simpsons joke by bazik · · Score: 2, Funny

    Homer: [reading screen] "To Start Press Any Key". Where's the ANY key? I see Esk ["ESC"], Catarl ["CTRL"], and Pig-Up ["PGUP"]. There doesn't seem to be any ANY key. Woo! All this computer hacking is making me thirsty. I think I'll order a TAB. [presses TAB key] Awp...no time for that now, the computer's starting.

    --


    --
    One by one the penguins steal my sanity...
  9. Wait a second... by joel8x · · Score: 4, Funny

    If someone can't find the "Any" key then how did they connect to the internet, navigate to Compaq's website, determine what "FAQ" stands for, and then read it to find out that there is no "Any" key?

    --
    Sound waves should be free!
  10. Re:Is this new? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    this was already posted to slashdot, that's why you all vaguely remember it

  11. The limit!! by KoolDude · · Score: 4, Funny


    The term "any key"... particular key on the keyboard

    That's fine. But, where's the "particular key" ?

    --
    getSexySig(); /* returns sexy signature */
  12. My favorite keyboard haiku by lildogie · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Keyboard not present,
    Press F1 to continue."
    Zen engineering?

  13. Obligatory WP Post by El_Ge_Ex · · Score: 5, Funny

    Taken from: http://home.ptd.net/~hjcotton/jokes/wptechsupport. htm

    This is a true story from the Word Perfect Help line which was transcribed from recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the HelpDesk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the WordPerfect organization for "Termination without cause."

    Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee (now I know why they record these conversations).

    "Ridge Hall Computer assistance; may I help you?"
    "Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect."
    "What sort of trouble?"
    "Well I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away."
    "Went away?"
    "They disappear."
    "Hmmm. so what does you screen look like now?"
    "Nothing."
    "Nothing?"
    "It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type."
    "Are you still in WordPerfect or did you get out?"
    "How do I tell?"
    "Can you see the C: prompt of the screen?"
    "What's a sea-prompt?"
    "Never mind can you move your cursor around the screen?"
    "There isn't any cursor; I told you, it won't accept anything I type."
    "Does your monitor have a power indicator?"
    "What's a monitor?"
    "It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV."
    "Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on?"
    "I don't know?"
    "Well. then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that?"
    "Yes, I think so."
    "Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall."
    "Yes, it is."
    "When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of
    it, not just one?"

    "No."
    "Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable."
    "Okay, here it is"
    "Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer."

    "I can't reach it."
    "Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is?"
    "No."
    "Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over?"
    "Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark."
    "Dark?"
    "Yes the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming from the window."
    "Well, turn on the office light then."
    "I can't."
    "No, why not?"
    "Because there's a power failure."
    "A power....... a power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and
    manuals and packing stuff your computer came in?"

    "Well, yes I keep them in the closet."
    "Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take
    it back to the store you bought it from."

    "Really? Is it that bad?"
    "Yes, I'm afraid it is."
    "Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them?"
    "Tell them you're too @#!%ing stupid to own a computer."

  14. I'll just google for it by jamesmp · · Score: 2, Funny

    Imagine if you will a new computer user...

    do doot da doo..
    I'll just install this new screensaver/hotbar spyware application that uncle Neal recomended.

    dum dee dee dum doodle do
    EULA, next
    INSTALL DIRECTORY, next
    TO COMPLETE THIS INSTALLATION, Click ANY KEY
    do doot da?????? WTF!
    Where is the ANY Key?
    Alt+Tab
    Load IE,
    Type www.google.com
    Type "Where is Any Key"
    http://www.google.ca/search?q=where+is+any+k ey&ie= UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&meta=

    I'll just look at the Compaq Support Doc's for this..

    OOOhh it all makes sense now.
    dum dum diddle dummm...
    Alt+Tab
    a

  15. Re:Finally!? by brejc8 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Created: 10/8/2001 2:13:42 AM
    Modified: 10/25/2002 11:07:05 AM


    Why do you think they had to modify it?
    I wonder if someone complained over the fact they pressed the power "key".

  16. Re:Man this is sad by Go+Aptran · · Score: 2, Funny
    Yes... everyone would press the "a" key... which is above the "z" and under the "q".

    Problem solved!

    --

    "Under the spreading chestnut tree, I sold you and you sold me."

  17. One time at tech support... by bboyers · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...many years ago a caller and a problem with their computer. I told her the only thing to do with that problem was to "reboot" the computer. She made me confirm that's what I wanted her to do, so she did it.

    At this time I start hearing a "clunk, clunk" coming through the handset. Well, to say the least she was kicking her computer, since I told her to "boot" her computer.

  18. The real ANSWER is... by SharpFang · · Score: 5, Funny

    That's not a computer question. That question is of philosophical nature. Alternatively, a psychoterapist could ask it...

    Answer:
    Space bar: Penile complex (too short penis)
    Ctrl: Control Freak.
    Enter: Vaginal mania.
    Tab: Just a drunkard.
    Esc: Depression.
    F1: Leadership maniac.
    Backspace: Anal tendencies.
    Del: Will for destruction.
    Shift: Double personality
    ctrl-alt-del: They are out to get you!
    The Windows key: They already got you!

    --
    45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
  19. Re:true story by The+Patient · · Score: 3, Funny

    After you explained SysRq, did his head explode or implode?

  20. Are you Linux developers listening? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Its things like this that will hinder linux on the desktop. With sun, suse, mandrake, lindows and others marketing linux on the desktop expect a whole lot more (l)users. Here is an example tech support call.

    User : How do I run the gimp
    Tech support : click the k button, then select "The Gimp" from the graphics menu.
    User : All I get it is a K appearing in my word processor
    Tech support : Not the k key, the k button. Its a gear with a letter K engraved on it on the bottom left corner of the screen.
    User : I don't see a gear, I see a G shaped foot.
    Tech support : *sigh* Click the G shaped foot then, and look for the icon that has a moster with big eyes.
    User : I have two big eyes looking at my mouse cursor.

    And so on.

  21. I have an "any key" on my keyboard. by heliocentric · · Score: 5, Funny

    I have a Sun Type 6 (non-usb) keyboard that has the any key right betwen the help and the F1 keys. It's just above Esc.

    Mind you it's a completely blank key that I have never found a use for so I wrote 'any' on it (figuring it must be the any key).

    My other hypothesis is that this key has a tie-in to solaris and it monitors user gruntle level. As a user begins to lose their gruntles (and become disgruntled) they bash on the keyboard, tripping this key. Once a user reaches a certain level their account should be locked. Unfortunitly all of my sun training and years as admin never demonistrated how to incorporate this with the business plan. *sigh* I guess it's just the any key.

    --
    Wheeeee
  22. One of my favorites by dmorin · · Score: 4, Funny
    True story, made it to rec.humor.funny a few years back. I watched our tester Jane trying to crash our product. She got to an any key screen, and pushed "J." I screamed "Jane! Why did you press J!?"

    "It said any key."

    "When programmers say any key they mean the space bar!"

    At this point the other programmer on the team piped in with, "We do? I thought we meant Enter."

    Duane

    "Build a classroom of computers for which all keyboards have one key, and tell your class to press that key. To a person, each will look at you, look at the keyboard, poise their finger over the keyboard, look at you and say, 'This one?'"

  23. Re:It's Likely True by RPoet · · Score: 2, Funny

    I had a friend call me up about a web site. "Which one do I press if I want to download? Do I press 'download' or 'register'?"

    --
    "Oppression and harassment is a small price to pay to live in the land of the free." -- Montgomery Burns.
  24. Since this seems to be a "Blam the lusers" thread by tulare · · Score: 3, Funny
    Here's my best story to date:

    I work for a school district. The week before last, I got a voicemail from a kindergarten teacher complaining that I had brought here a PC, when the software she had was all written for the Mac. Her message was about three minutes long, but overall it went something like this (just repeated a couple of times):
    "Hi, this is Mrs. X at the elementary school. When I got to work this morning I noticed that you had brought me a PCP instead of a Macintosh computer. We talked about this before, and I explained to you at that time that I can't use any PCP with my students, and my students can't use the PCP either, because none of the programs will run on the PCP. Please get this PCP out of my classroom and bring me a Macintosh instead. Thanks."
    I had a talk with the principal at the elemtary school, and between tears we managed to figure out how to get the PCP out of that teacher's classroom and replace it with a much more useful (and safer!) Macintosh instead. I'm thinking of petitioning to have my job title changed - surely I'd qualify for hazard pay as a PCP Support Specialist!
    --
    political_news.c: warning: comparison is always true due to limited range of data type
  25. Re:It's Likely True by jaredcat · · Score: 5, Funny

    How true!

    A recent example...

    Bank of America recently updated the software on their ATMs in Southern California. Now when you first put your card in, insted of asking for your PIN, it says something to the effect of (in all caps mind you):

    "BANK OF AMERICA HAS RECENTLY UPDATED THIS ATM TO MAKE IT EASIER TO USE. SOME OF THE BUTTONS THAT YOU MAY BE USED TO PRESSING NOW ARE IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. PRESS ANY BUTTON TO CONTINUE."

    So I go and press the biggest button on there, which happens to be the "cancel" button, and it spits out my card forcing me to start over again.

  26. It's not funny. Don't laugh. by 3Suns · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'll admit, I laughed when I first heard the joke about clueless users who couldn't find the "any" key.

    And that might have been 8 years ago.

    Stop it, it's nowhere near funny anymore. And if you refer to the CDROM tray as a cupholder again, I'll strangle you.

    --

    -3Suns

    ~~~~
    The Revolution will be Slashdotted
  27. Re:The real question is... by parkanoid · · Score: 3, Funny

    There are no less than FOUR posts like the above, and they keep getting modded funny. Stop it.

  28. I doubt it was a joke by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Not surprised myself, I mean they tell people to call 9-1-1 in an emergency situation so that they dont look for an 11 button on their phones.

  29. Re:real life example by glenstar · · Score: 2, Funny
    He was stumped by the 'press any key to continue' message!

    Must. Not. Make. Fun. Of. Wrestling.Coaches...

  30. Everybody knows... by zloppy303 · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...it's that bar on the keyboard. It has no letter assigned to it, so it can be any key.

    --
    Beware of Programmers who carry screwdrivers. -- Leonard Brandwein
  31. Cathode or Catheter? by swankypimp · · Score: 2, Funny
    I work tech support at an Internet retailer, and we sell a lot of systems with plexiglass windows and case lights. One product we sell a lot of is a "Blue Cold Cathode Light." A few weeks ago I got a call by someone whose case light had burned out after a month of use and wanted a replacement.

    The funny part? He had a slight pronunciation problem and kept referring to it as a "Catheter" Light.

    "I've had this machine for only a month, and my cather stopped working."

    "Excuse me?"

    "My blue catheter light. My cold catheter. It burned out."

    "Um, err, yeah... Let me transfer you to the RMA department. Hopefully they can relieve the extreme discomfort you must be experiencing."

    --

    --All your stolen base are belong to Rickey Henderson