Using the F-Lock and restore function Keys on Microsoft keyboards

My new keyboard from Microsoft, the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, while very useful and easy to type with has one big flaw. The function keys (F1 - F12) displayed along the top of the device lose their base functionality by default. 

The old functionality is replaced with "new" functions as assigned by Microsoft. 

So as to not leave you on complete suspense the quick solution is to use the "F Lock" key located just to the right of the F12 key (on mine anyway). 

Using this is equivalent to the"Caps Lock" for letters. Activating the F Lock key restores the original functionality of the "F" keys that we've all come to know and love. 

The rub on this is that each time the computer is turned off/restarted, or the Keyboard is unplugged, the F Lock key must be pressed again to initiate its use.  Good Luck!