How do I use the IBM ThinkPad 380 Escape Button?

An IMB ThinkPad's "Escape" key performs several different actions.

The IBM ThinkPad 380 was manufactured in 1997, and it shipped with Windows 95 pre-installed. It was one of the first laptops to incorporate both a floppy disk drive and a CD-ROM drive, giving users more storage options. When using the pre-installed Windows 95 interface, the "Escape" button performs different tasks depending on what is happening on-screen and what other keys you press. With a solid understanding of the "Escape" button's functionality, you can perform a bevy of tasks on your ThinkPad.

Instructions

1. Press the "Escape" key to stop any current processes. If your computer is stuck in the middle of a process, pressing the "Escape" key can sometimes cancel the action. For example, if you are pasting text into a document, hitting the "Escape" button cancels this action.

2. Quit programs using the "Escape" button. You can exit some Windows 95 programs using the "Escape" key. You are usually prompted with a message asking if you're sure you want to exit.

3. Press and hold the "Ctrl" key before hitting "Escape." This keystroke command activates the Windows 95 "Start" menu.

4. Press and hold "Ctrl" and "Shift" when hitting "Escape" if you want to open the task manager. The Windows 95 Task Manager enables you to end processes or programs.

References

• "IBM ThinkPad 380"; Susan F Henssonow, et al.; 2010
• "IBM Debuts All-In-One ThinkPad"; CNET News: Jim Davis; 1997
• Microsoft: Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows