Any key
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pause command in DOS requests the user to "Press any key to continue."
"Press any key" is a command prompt that will be fulfilled no matter which keyboard button is pressed. It is most often seen on early operating systems that were released before the mouse became common. The command does not refer to a keyboard button labeled "Any",[1] although some users search for such a key anyway, according to reports from technical support workers.[2] The computer company Compaq[3] even edited their FAQ to explain that the "any key" does not exist,[1][4] and at one point considered replacing the command "Press any key" with "Press return key".[5]
The concept of the "any key" has become a popular piece of computer-related humor.[6] Plastic "any keys" with adhesive backings are available as novelty gifts.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Nick Farrell (2006-12-18). "Compaq tells punters where the 'any' key is". The Inquirer. http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/722/1028722/compaq-tells-punters-where-the-any-key-is. Retrieved on 2008-01-23.
- ^ Jared Sandberg (2007-02-20). "'It Says Press Any Key; Where's the Any Key?'; India's Call-Center Workers Get Pounded, Pampered". Wall Street Journal: p. b1.
- ^ Compaq FAQ: Where do I find the "Any" key on my keyboard
- ^ Ashlee Vance (2003-09-25). "Compaq FAQ explains the ‘Any Key’". The Register. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/09/25/compaq_faq_explains_the_any/. Retrieved on 2008-01-23.
- ^ Bill Kirby (1999-10-29). "Technology often tests creativity". Augusta Chronicle. http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/102999/kir_kirb.shtml. Retrieved on 2009-02-16.
- ^ Jeffrey Kent (2004). C++ Demystified. McGraw Hill. p. 245. ISBN 0072253703. http://books.google.com/books?id=JPhDbviTYukC&pg=PT264&dq=%22any+key%22+joke.
- ^ "Gag items offer relief in world of bits, bytes". The Deseret News. 1999-03-30. Retrieved from Newsbank on 2009-02-15.
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