This page describes using Xmodmap to modify
keymappings.
Xmodmap Modifications
If you want to modify the ViewStation's keyboard behavior in a
global way, so it affects all clients and all situations, you can do it
with xmodmap.
Mouse Button Changes
You can change the function of the mouse keys to make it easier
for left-handed users to operate the mouse. Normally the most
frequently used mouse key is the left button, which corresponds to the
index finger of a right-handed user. To reverse the button order (to
use the index finger of a left-handed person) use this entry on the
xmodmap command line or in the xmodmap file:
xmodmap -e "pointer = 3 2 1"
Modifier and Lock Key Changes
Another commonly requested change is to swap the CapsLock key
with the Left Ctrl key (note that some keyboards have a DIP switch to
make this change). This example is taken from the manual pages for
xmodmap. Note that the Lock and Control functions are removed, then
keysyms assigned, then the Lock and Control functions are added.
! Xmodmap data file which swaps the CapsLock and Left
Ctrl keys.
! Usage: xmodmap .xmodmap-swap-keys
remove Lock = Caps_Lock
remove Control = Control_L
keysym Control_L = Caps_Lock
keysym Caps_Lock = Control_L
add Lock = Caps_Lock
add Control = Control_L
Keysym Changes
You can change the actual keymap definitions by associating a
keycode with a different keysym in the xmodmap file. This is permitted
behavior, but it is not recommended because it may cause unexpected
changes. It is better to use keysym to keysym assignments than to use
keycode to keysym assignments. A change often used is assigning the
Backspace function to the Delete key, which is done as follows:
xmodmap -e "keysym Delete = Backspace"
Note that this entry changes one keysym to another.
Modifying the xmodmap table that links a keycode to a keysym is not
recommended because it links the new keysym to a particular keycode
(hardware type). If you use that keymap with another keyboard, it may
not work. The keysym/keysym translation will always work.
These commands can be used on an individual xmodmap command
line or grouped in a file which is then read by xmodmap. Xmodmap is
typically read from an .xsession file or some other startup file.
Note that the xmodmap client is available as a ViewStation local
client. You could use the local xmodmap in a ViewStation
server-reset file to make your keyboard modifications even before
you log in. This is an advantage to users with special keyboard
requirements because even the username and password will use the
modified keymapping (this is not true of host-based xmodmap).
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