Accessing F keys on laptop

Hello all. I am new to Blender and am trying to learn some 3d animation. A wrinkle I have been unable to get past is with reapect to F9 or accessing the modifier window. Eith my HP laptop the F keys ar colocated along the top row with other functions. To access F key functions there is a function key to press first. This does not work in Blender and I cannot find any other way to access the F9 key or to go directly to thr modifier window (want to use mirror modifier). I am running Blender 2.77. Does anyone know of a way around this problem?

Hi Usaemtp

Not really sure why you want to use shortcuts to access modifier-panel.
I suggest you split the modelling window in two and choose to view "properties" in one of them.
There you'll have access to all the different properties for the object in question.

cheers
Chapel