I'm basically stuck in the part when Meryl lets you out of the cell, after meeting the DARPA chief. I know how to get my handgun out and everything, but when it comes to shooting, I seem to be a caveman, because I've spent about a week trying to figure it out. I've also Googled this plenty, but all I get are suggestions about controllers, different emulated versions of the game, how one is better off playing it on PS2, etc. etc.
So basically, what I want to know, is how to shoot with keyboard controls.
Thanks.

Hello Largo9933!

Attached you will find a part of the game's manual on the standard keyboard controls and some weapon specific controls (e.g. the SOCOM hand gun has only semi-automatic fire, while the FAMAS has full auto-fire).

In general, you have to first pick up a weapon--the SOCOM can be found within the truck on the helipad area in front of the closed main gate. Then you will need to gather ammunition for the weapon that you have picked up, already. (You can not collect and "store" ammunition in advance before finding the necessary weapon first!)

In order to use a weapon in "Metal Gear Solid" you will have to equip it first, pressing and holding the "S" key (standard keyboard configuration) on your keyboard and moving up or down to the desired weapon before releasing the "S" key again. Now, Snake is holding the gun up with both hands hear his shoulder. (You can fast unequip and re-equip the current weapon by tapping the "W" key--reloading the gun's magazine in the process!)

When the gun is already equipped (Snake holds it in hands), you need to press and hold the "CTRL" (left control) key to aim with the SOCOM handgun in a standing position (aim in different directions by using the movement keys) and subsequently release the "CTRL" key to shoot a single bullet of the SOCOM. (Different guns behave differently, e.g. SOCOM: hold CTRL = aim, release CTRL again=shoot ; FAMAS assault rifle: tap CTRL=shoot once, hold CTRL=shoot auto-fire)
You can also start walking while aiming/firing the SOCOM handgun or firing the FAMAS assault rifle by pressing the (left) "SHIFT" key (crawl function) in addition to the (left) "CTRL" key. Keep holding down the "SHIFT while releasing and pressing again "CTRL" allows to shoot and/or aim while running.

Have fun with the game and experiment a little bit with each new weapon and equipment before continuing playing the mission.

Kind regards,
foxgog

I feel like a moron now for not double-checking if the manual was there or not. Thanks a ton for pointing that out, and explaining as well. I barely started MGS, but it's been a good ride so far; I was just frustrated at my inability of solving something so simple.

Cheers.