Overview of a Keyboard
* Lesson 1 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS 1.4 - OVERVIEW OF A
KEYBOARD [1] Overview of a Keyboard
The keyboard is an input device that you can use to type commands or text
into a computer. Different keyboards have different key layouts. In
addition, the functions of some keys such as DELETE, BACKSPACE, PAGE UP,
and PAGE DOWN may vary from program to program.
This illustration describes the different groups of keys on a standard
keyboard.
Keys labeled from F1 to F12 are function keys. You use them to perform
specific functions. Their functions differ from program to program. The
function of the F1 key in most programs is to access the help file
associated with a program. Some keyboards may have fewer function keys.
These keys are used for entering letters and numbers.
Keys, such as Control (CTRL), SHIFT, SPACEBAR, ALT, CAPS LOCK, and TAB,
are special keys. The special keys perform special functions depending on
when and where they are used. Most keyboards include a special key called
Windows logo key. This key is located between the CTRL key and the ALT key.
This key is used to open the Start menu, or is used in combination with a
second key to perform common Windows tasks.
Punctuation keys include keys for punctuation marks, such as colon ( ,
semicolon (;) , question mark (?) , single quotation marks (' ') , and
double quotation marks (" ").
The label on this key can be either ENTER or RETURN, depending on the
brand of computer that you are using. You use the ENTER or the RETURN key
to move the cursor to the beginning of a new line. In some programs, it is
used to send commands and to confirm a task on a computer.
Keys such as INSERT (INS), DELETE (DEL), and BACKSPACE are command keys.
When the INSERT key is turned ON, it helps you overwrite characters to the
right of the cursor. When the INSERT key is OFF, it helps you enter text or
characters to the right of the cursor, without overwriting this text or
characters. The DELETE key and the BACKSPACE key are used to remove typed
text, characters, and other objects on the right and left side of the
cursor respectively.
Keys such as the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, and PAGE DOWN are
navigation keys. You use the arrow keys to move the cursor up, down, right,
and left. The HOME key moves the cursor to the left of a line of text. The
END key moves the cursor to the end of a line. The PAGE UP key is used to
move one page up and PAGE DOWN key is used to move one page down while
viewing a document.
Not all keyboards have a numeric keyboard. If available, this is a
separate set of keys with numbers from 0 to 9, the decimal point, special
characters, and navigation symbols. The NUM LOCK key on this keypad allows
you to switch between the numeric and navigation keys.
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