The symbols on the f1-f12 denote the function of each key. They vary from laptop to laptop, but some of the choices include display brightness, volume level, wireless on/off, keyboard backlighting level, monitor swap, etc. Someimes these keys perform these functions by just pressing each respective key, and sometimes you have to hold down the "fn" key (bottom row towards the left) while pressing the chosen key. It varies by brand seemingly.