I'm assuming this is the screen you get when you press escape, as that is the only screen named options. You use the arrow keys to select an option and enter to execute it. Light gray means you can select it, dark means you can't.
I know there are some Youtube tutorials you could try. There is also a DF wiki that could answer some questions you may have. If all else fails you could visit their forums and ask questions there.
I'm assuming this is the menu that goes away when you press tab a couple times when the game is unpaused. There is no way to scroll through the options there. You press the key corresponding with the option you want. There are some menus leading from that, and to scroll through those lists you use the + and - keys.
If I am understanding you correctly you should be using either keystrokes ( for experienced users) or the + and - keys on your numpad (for laptops fn command + and -) to navigate the menus
What's wrong with anime?
Did you know that a flashlight is a laser shotgun? Pretty cool, huh?
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Nevermind, people, I got it working. It seems you can only use the +- keys on the right of the keyboard to scroll through options, and not the ones next to the numbers at the top. However, dwarf fortress is still a pretty confusing game, but I guess I'll start to understand more as I play.
I know there are some Youtube tutorials you could try. There is also a DF wiki that could answer some questions you may have. If all else fails you could visit their forums and ask questions there.
You mean the main menu? Just how far have you gone in playing?
I must also request knowing your previous roguelike experience. Having played a few can give you insight into how these are generally played.
Did you know that a flashlight is a laser shotgun? Pretty cool, huh?
“I don't write jokes in base 13” -Douglas Adams
If the world was flat, how deep would it be?