Keyboard basic
Keyboard
- Ø Is used to type data into the computer.
- Ø Is most common input device.
- Ø Has special keys for giving the
computer commands.
- Ø Commands tell the computer to do something, like save the file.
- Ø These special keys are called commands or function keys.
Types of Keys
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1. Alphanumeric Keys:
- These consist of punctuation,
digits (0–9), and letters (A–Z).
- Text entry and regular typing are done using
these.
2. Keys to Function:
- Designated as F1 through F12.
- Depending on the operating
system or program being used, these keys have different roles.
- For instance, F1 frequently
launches the help file, while F5 could force a page refresh.
3. Control Keys:
- Incorporate keys such as Alt,
Shift, and Ctrl.
- Used in conjunction with other
keys to execute a number of shortcuts and actions.
- As an illustration, use Ctrl+C
to copy text and Ctrl+V to paste text.
4. Arrow Keys:
- The left, right, up, and down
arrows are these.
- Applies to online pages,
documents, and text fields navigation.
5. Special Keys:
- Consists of keys such as Tab,
Backspace, Enter, and Spacebar.
- Enter is used to begin a new
line in a text document or to execute instructions.
- The spacebar adds a space.
The character to the left of the cursor is
erased when you use backspace.
- Tab is used to navigate between fields and
indent text.
6. Modifier Keys:
- They consist of the Windows key
(Command on Mac), Shift, Ctrl (Control), and Alt (Alternate).
- They alter how other keys
operate.
- For instance, the shift key
enables the typing of symbols or capital letters.
7. Navigation Keys.
- Used for fast document or web page
navigation.
The cursor is moved to the start of a line by pressing Home, and to the
end by pressing End.
8. Numeric Keypad:
- A group of keys that are often
seen on the keyboard's right side.
- Has the digits 0 through 9, the arithmetic
operators (+, -, , /), and keys for Num Lock and Enter.
- For fast entering of numbers.
9. Escape Key (Esc):
This key is used to exit dialog
windows and abort activities.
- Often used to end the full-screen experience.
10. Function Lock Key (Fn):
This unique key is present on some keyboards,
particularly those that are laptops.
- Switches between regular function key
commands and other instructions, such as changing the volume or brightness of
the screen.
11. Multimedia Keys:
- Contains
keys to adjust volume, playing of media, and other features.
- For instance, Mute, Play/Pause, and
Volume Up/Down.
12. Print Screen Key:
- Tagged with PrtScn or a
comparable symbol.
- Used to save the current screen picture
as a file or copy it to the clipboard.
13. Windows Key (Command Key on Mac):
- Starts Spotlight on macOS or
opens the Start menu on Windows.
- Can be used to create shortcuts by
combining it with other keys (Windows + E, for example, opens File Explorer).
14. Caps Lock Key:
- Changes the letter
capitalization. Until toggled off, all written letters are capitalized when the
feature is activated.
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