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Mapping the Backspace Key in Reflection and EXTRA!
Technical Note 2354
Last Reviewed 13-Nov-2008
Applies To
Reflection for UNIX and OpenVMS 2008
Reflection Standard Suite 2008
Reflection for UNIX and OpenVMS version 12.0 through 14.x
EXTRA! X-treme version 8.0 through 9.x
Summary

This technical note explains how to map the Backspace key on your PC keyboard to function as a destructive backspace when you connect to your UNIX or OpenVMS host with a VT session. The default mapping for the Backspace key depends upon the product you are running.

Note: This technical note applies only to VT sessions.

Changing the Backspace Key Behavior

A destructive backspace or 'delete' moves the cursor one character to the left and simultaneously erases the character that previously occupied that position. This is equivalent to the behavior of the PC's Backspace key when you are in a Microsoft Windows application, such as Word. Different hosts and applications require different escape sequences to trigger a destructive backspace.

After connecting to your host application, if pressing the Backspace key does not product the desired backspace effect, follow the steps below to toggle the backspace configuration.

In Reflection

  1. Start a VT session using Reflection.
  2. Open the Terminal Setup dialog box:

In Reflection 2008: From the Quick Access toolbar, click the Document Settings button.

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In Reflection versions 12.0 through 14.x: Click Setup > Terminal Setup.

  1. Under Terminal Configuration, click Configure Terminal Settings.
  2. On the Keyboard & Mouse tab, under "VT backspace sends," select the option that is not currently selected (either Delete or Backspace).

For OpenVMS, this option should be set to Delete. For most other hosts, it should be set to Backspace (the default).

  1. Click OK.

In EXTRA! X-treme

  1. Start a VT session using EXTRA! X-treme.
  2. Click Options > Settings.
  3. Under Categories, select Display.
  4. On the Keyboard tab, in the Backspace drop-down, select the option that is not currently selected (either Delete or Backspace).
  5. Click OK.
Related Technical Notes
1516 Mapping the Backspace and Delete Keys in Reflection X for Use with Red Hat Linux
3001 Mapping the Backspace Key in Reflection X
9970 Technical Notes for EXTRA!
9985 Technical Notes for Reflection 2008
9990 Technical Notes for Reflection for HP, UNIX and OpenVMS

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