Notification when Caps Lock is Active

Debbie asked if there was a way to change the background color of the screen whenever the Caps Lock key is on. She periodically hits the key without realizing it, and would like some sort of notification.

There is no way to tie the Caps Lock key to a background color that we've been able to locate. For most people this wouldn't really help that much, since looking at the screen to notice the background color would also allow the user to notice when typing was being done in ALL CAPS. Most people want some sort of audible notification of when the key has been activated. Some folks use some sort of third-party program like FirstCap, available free at http://www.falsinsoft.cjb.net.

You don't have to rely on a third-party program, however. You can use the accessibility features of Windows to audibly notify you when you've pressed the Caps Lock key. Follow these steps:

1. Display the Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Accessibility Options applet. The Accessibility Options dialog box opens.
3. Make sure the Keyboard tab is displayed. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Choose the Use ToggleKeys check box.
5. Display the General tab. (Click here to see a related figure.)
6. Make sure the Turn Off Accessibility Features After Idle check box is not selected.
7. Click OK.
8. Close the Control Panel.

The ToggleKeys feature, when turned on, will beep whenever the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys are pressed.