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Computer keyboard and keys

Keyboard - Computer Keyboards - Wireless KIeyboard- USB Keyboard - Computer Software - Computer - Numeric Keypad - Function Keys

The keyboard is the most commonly used input device. It is used to feed data and instructions into a computer. It is similar to an electric typewriter. A keyboard contains keys for each alphabetic characters, digits and special characters. The data and instructions are feed into the computer by pressing the related keys on the keyboard. The keyboard having some additional keys for specific functions. Keyboard used with personal computer typically have from 101 to 105 keys.

On laptop and many other handheld computers, the keyboard is built into the top of the system unit. Usually, these keyboards are smaller in size and have fewer keys such as 85 keys.

Some old type computers have built-in keyboards. Now-a-days, the computer has a separate keyboard. It is easily plugged in computer. A keyboard is connected to the serial or USB port on the system unit. A standard computer keyboard is also referred to as QWERTY keyboard. This name represents the first left most letters on the top alphabetic line of the keyboard spell. Some advanced keyboards do not require the cable to connect with the cable. They enter data into the computer through wireless technologies such as radio waves or infrared light waves. These type of keyboards are known as cordless or wireless keyboards.

Division of Keyboard

A keyboard may be divided into four area. There are:

  1. Alphanumeric keypad or typewriter area.
  2. Numeric keypad.
  3. Screen Navigation keys.
  4. Editing keys.
  5. Function keypad.

1. Alphanumeric Keypad

This area is like a typewrite, it is because this area of keyboard is referred to as Typewriter Area. The user uses this area to enter general information into the computer. Typists usually use this area of keyboard. This area consists of:

  • Alphabetic character keys "A" to "Z" and lower case letters "a" to "z".
  • Numeric keys "0" to "9".
  • Many other special keys like Spacebar, Enter key, Ctrl key etc.

2. Numeric Keypad

A set of numeric keys and arithmetic operator keys on the right of keyboard that are similar to calculator keys is referred to as Numeric Keypad. It also has an extra Enter key and Num Lock key. The Num Lock key is used to activate or deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is mostly used for numeric data entry.

3. Screen Navigation Keys

The keys that are normally used in word processor or other application programs to move cursor into the document on the screen are referred to as navigation keys. The most important navigation keys are:

Arrow Keys Used to move the cursor left, right, up and down on the screen. These are also referred to as cursor keys.
Page Up Key Used to move the cursor one page up of document on the screen.
Page Down Key Used to move the cursor one page down of document on the screen.
End Key Used to move the cursor to the end of line or to end of screen or document.
Home Key Used to move the cursor to the top left of screen on beginning of document.

4. Editing Keys

The keys that are normally used in word processor or other application programs for editing (modifying) the document are referred to as editing keys. The most important editing keys are:

Delete Key Used to delete the characters towards the right of cursor position.
Backspace Key Used to delete the characters from the current cursor position toward left.
Enter Key Used to insert new line or paragraph into text editing programs. It is also used to enter selected command into the computer.
Tab Key Used to insert a tab.
Caps Lock Key Used to change lowercase letters mode to uppercase and vice versa.
Insert Key Used to change insert mode to overwrite mode and vice versa.

5. Function Keys

There are 10 or 12 function keys on the top of keyboard that are labeled as F1, F2,........ F12. These keys are referred to as Function Keys. These are used to perform special functions. The function of each key depends upon the software being used on the computer. The designer of the software assigns these keys in his software as shortcut commands or keys to perform specific task. For example, in most software the function key F1 is used to get online help about the software running on the computer.

Many keyboards also have a Windows Key. When Windows key is presses, Start Menu of Windows is displayed.

The advanced keyboards also include buttons that allow the user to access the computer's CD or DVD drive. Adjust speaker volume, open an e-mail program, start a web browser and search the Internet. Some keyboards also provide the USB ports used to plug the USB device directly to the keyboard instead of system unit.

See also: Input and Output Devices

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