On Thu, 25 May 2017 20:43:26 +0100, J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

I remember coming across a small something (batch file, .reg file, or
similar - I forget what) which would set the numlock state at some
fairly early stage (Windows booting, I think it was). Not as good as
BIOS, but better than nothing.

I already done that. Thanks.

And I'm planning to install GRUB and make a startup module to turn the
NumLock off so that it's already in off state when the Windows Boot Manager
appears.

I continue to be surprised that there are people who like NumLock _off_;
I always assumed it was mainly for people who'd got used to 84-key
keyboards which didn't have the arrow keys and sixpack, but surely that
can't be the reason now. Or is it just something that will survive for
ever like Ethernet packet addressing even over CAT cable rather than
coaxial.

The reason I prefer using the NumPad for directional keys is because I'm
more comfortable with its arrow key placements. IMO, the arrow keys in the
middle of a keyboard is awkwardly laid out. For me, the placement of the
DownArrow key is more like a placement for a "center/middle" key (whatever
that is). So, it feels awkward for me to use it.

Also, there are ENTER, INSERT and DELETE keys at the NumPad, so it really
quickens both navigation and (limited) editing for e.g. text. My arm would
move less on the keyboard.

As for Scroll Lock, I don't _think_ I've ever come across anything that
uses it for anything approaching its original purpose; I've rarely
enough come across anything that uses it at all, but the few things I
have just use it as an extra facility (key) to control something else.

Ditto.

If I'm not mistaken, the ScrollLock key is only used in *nix systems.

For me, I use it as an alternative key for the Break signal (CTRL+Break /
CTRL+C) by pressing CTRL+ScrollLock.

For me, the most useless key is the NumPad's "5" key when NumLock is
inactive. In Windows, that key is translated to the Clear key. The Clear key
means something in Mac OS and probably in other *nix system too. But in
Windows, it seems that it's not means for anything.