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Typing Override Script and Laptop Keyboard Too (Part 3)

In this series of howto category blog entries we're creating a scripted laptop keyboard.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Preparation

Before we add a script we should get our freebie keyboard ready for duty. The object that FE created for us includes a mouse and mousepad. While that is adorable as a contest entry it probably won't work too well as part of a laptop that appears in front of our avatar when we're typing. In this section of our howto we'll trim it down to size.

LaptopWithMouse.jpg
The Laptop To Modify

Let's rez and edit the laptop object to inspect it. This object is comprised of 6 prims. To make our disappearing laptop appear trim and slim we probably want to drop the mousepad and mouse prims off and just keep the laptop itself.

LaptopMouseSelected.jpg
Select Mousepad and Mouse

Now that you've turned on "Edit linked parts" in the edit window you can select just the two prims that represent the mousepad and the mouse. First click the mousepad to delselect the entire object and instead select only the pad, then hold the shift key down and click the mouse so that you now have to prims in your selection.

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Unlink the Mousepad and Mouse

With both excess prims selected you can now remove them from the object. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Unlink" to shave them off the main object.

LaptopDeleteMouse.jpg
Delete the Mouse Prim

Now that they are separate entities, object in their own right, you can remove them from the playing board. Click the floor to deselect any objects and then click the mouse itself. Right click it and choose delete from the pie menu to send it flying off into the never.

LaptopDeleteMousepad.jpg
Delete the Mousepad Prim

The mouse is gone which leaves us with the mousepad. Right click it and choose delete from the pie menu to send it flying off into the never.

LaptopSansMousepad.jpg
One Laptop - No Mice

Now that you have removed the mousepad and mouse you're left with a 4 prim masterpiece originally designed and created by FireEyes Fauna of Shelter and Second Fortune fame. You can turn off "Edit linked prims" and select the whole object now.

At this stage we've prepared our laptop object for use as an avatar's keyboard. In the next and final entry in this series we will add our new script and complete the deed.

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