Though not actually a utility per se, the ServiceDesk MainMenu is discussed in this separate section because, in experienced day-to-day operation, you should almost never need to use it. For novice users, however, it may be most helpful, providing a map to functions that are not otherwise apparent.
Most specifically, you may note that the Menu provides access to almost all non-form-specific functions, without the need to know the Quick-Key combination that would otherwise (and more easily) access the function. Plus, corresponding with each such function's listing in the menu is a reminder of the Quick-Key that might, more conveniently, be used instead. Thus, you can gradually learn which Quick-Keys to use, by reminding yourself what they were each time when, as a beginner, you access something from the menu.
In addition, you'll note there's an entire section in the Menu labeled "Command Summary." This provides an easy, on-line synopsis of the most common commands you're likely to need, under several categories. Some of the items (particularly those under the category labeled "Callsheet Controls") even offer tutorial-type information. Thus, the menu (and particularly this section) can act as a constant, on-line help guide. Also remember that particular sections of this summary are available contextually, from within the particular domains to which they apply.
Aside from the menu per se, there is, of course, its row of 12 command buttons, designed for rapid access without having to reach into actual menu listings. As noted elsewhere, these command buttons may be accessed by a simple left-click of your mouse. But more efficiently, they serve as labels, indicating the function for each of your keyboard's 12 function keys, arrayed in corresponding fashion at the top of your keyboard. Thus, if you want to look at your DispatchMap, and notice that the fifth button on your menu's command button bar is labeled for such purpose, its follows that you can correspondingly hit the fifth function key on your keyboard—for the same purpose. The result will be the same, whether you click on the command button or hit the corresponding function key. It doesn't matter—except that, over time, you'll find it's usually faster when you can keep both hands on the keyboard.
Also, in regard to those menu/command-buttons (and your keyboard's corresponding function keys), you may notice there are only twelve. Yet, we've found the need for more than 12 buttons for bringing up various forms. Accordingly, we've expanded the utility of some button/keys by adding a Ctrl or Alt prefix for differed functions (e.g., you may click/press a plain F7 to load the JobsCurrent form, or Ctrl-F7 to load the JobsArchived form). To see the altered function for each button/key under Ctrl or Alt combinations, simply hold down Ctrl or Alt and watch the labels change. (You'll notice that not all the button/keys have changed assignments; we simply haven't yet found need for all of 36 potential combinations).
Another feature of the menu is its title bar, which displays your company name, with current weekday and time on one side, and date on the other. It flashes alternatively to indicate the status of Callsheets needing serviced at your desk (if any), along with the status of any mail pending for your station (if any), etc.
Note that the MainMenu functions, for the most part, in the same manner as you've grown accustomed to in other Windows applications. The exception is that we've not provided any QuickKeys to access its various headings. The reason: we've used virtually the entire alphabet for QuickKey operations that are more important. This left few keys available as candidates for non-mouse Menu access (and of those that are still available, few would have worked well mnemonically). In consequence, access to our Menu is by mouse only.
