using apple keyboard on PC

It will work right out of the box with Vista, but you won't get the specialized functionality of some buttons. There is a work-around, check out this site:

http://www.wintellect.com/CS/blogs/jrobbins/archive/2007/10/09/using-an-apple-ke yboard-on-vista.aspx

the keyboard will work under Windows 2000, XP and Vista. Use the Apple key as Windows key. Only key is not available is the "Print Screen" otherwise it will behave like a normal USB keyboard.

I am getting a Mac Pro soon and thinking of getting a 3rd party keyboard to work with it. Will the non-mac keyboard works with MacPro?

Most USB keyboards will work. If there is no Eject key, hold F12 for a few seconds. The Windows and Alt should function as Command and Option, but they may be swapped. You can fix that in system preferences.

There is a Keyboard Setup Assistant that will walk through confirming key layout. I use a couple MS keyboards, one is "ergonomic" layout, and the other I got because the Apple that came with Mac Pro was just too tightly spaced for my hand/fingers and I wanted better spaced keys (and I've been touch typing for over 40 yrs).

If the setup assistant doesn't launch on its own, goto the control panel for keyboard and click on "change keyboard type..." is all you need to do.

Can you assign the FN key the CNTL function of Windows, and also assign the Apple key the ALT function? So that when I use an apple keyboard with my office PC, I can still use these keys the way I am used to on a PC?

You can actually use the Bootcamp Drivers from Apple and just install the AppleKeyboard drivers and be good to go.

I have done this with multiple PCs on our network.
all the function keys work, (volume, fn, eject, numlock, print screen, etc)

WAY easier than mapping keys or whatever else.

🙂