The Keyboard

The keyboard is the standard device used to enter information into the computer’s memory. It looks and operates much like a standard typewriter keyboard and includes the 26 letters of the alphabet, the 10 digits used for numbers, and some special characters.In addition to these standard keys, the keyboard also has special sets of keys.

On the right-hand side of the keyboard is the numeric keypad. To the left of the numeric keypad are the arrow keys, Home, End, Pg Up, and Pg Down keys, which allow movement around the computer screen. At the top or left-hand side of the keyboard are keys labeled F1, F2, F3,…F12. They are referred to as function keys. These keys perform special functions depending on the program you are working in.Other special keys you will use include:

Shift: The Shift key works like the familiar shift key on a typewriter.

Alt: The Alternate (Alt) key is used in combination with other keys to

send special commands to computer programs.

Ctrl: The Control (Crtl) key works like the Alt key. It is always used in

combination with some other key.

Esc: The Escape (Esc) key is used to escape or leave some function you

have selected. The Escape key is always used by itself.

Enter: The Enter key is typically used to end a paragraph when working in

most application programs or to execute a command.

Tab: The Tab key is typically used to move the insertion point across the

screen to the next tab stop, in the same manner as a tab key on a

typewriter.

Backspace: The Backspace key, located directly above the Enter key, deletes the

character to the left of the insertion point.

Delete: The Delete key, located to the right of the Enter key, deletes the

Character to the right of the insertion point.

All the keys on the keyboard are auto-repeat keys. This means that if you hold the key down, the character or function that the key performs will be repeated as long as the key is held down.