Is there any way to allocate a word or phrase to a function key?
It would save me a lot of typing both in Windows and Linux!

Ctrl+V, then Ctrl+C ;)

Edit: But seriously, the two below should work

Don't know about a generic windows answer but if you are doing all your typing in MSWord you can create a 'macro' and assign it to a key/key combination.

If you're in word you can put in auto text entries for long bits, then when you type the first few letters it will suggest the rest, and you prees enter to insert it

What programs are you going to use?

For word - go to autocorect and set up something like #em as your email
address. When you type #em and press space bar or enter it will replace the #em with your email addy.

For general "snippets" in windows I use powerpro, can be hard to setup but very powerful and free.

Can't remember what I use on linux (X) but on the command line I set up aliases.

Alas, I wanted it for several applications.
I've just remembered I read a review ages ago about software that came with a keyboard that allowed you to do this.
Anyone any experience or shall I pester the good people in Dixons!

Shall I pester the good people in Dixons!
Definately :D

There's a brilliant macro program for Windows called AutoHotKey - it's freeware, and can do this job and many others...

www dot autohotkey dot com (not allowed to post URLs yet!)

Cheers maxh2006 :)