ICT IV (Lecture X) 2012

The keyboard contains the keys you use to type data and enter commands into the computer. The placement and position of keys may differ from one keyboard to another.   A typical keyboard consists of the typewriter keypad, the numeric keypad, the function keys, the cursor movement keys, and the data entry control keys.

Typewriter keypad – It is composed of keys with alphanumeric characters – the letters, numbers, and symbols- which you will find on the typewriter. These are the keys used for typing and entering data.

Spacebar – This is used to enter a blank character or a space.

Shift key – This is pressed with a letter to capitalize it. It is pressed with a two- character key to enter the top character.

Capslock key – (Capital lock) This is a toggle or a switch. It is used to lock the letters A to Z to the uppercase (capital letter) mode. (Note: the capslock indicator is ON). Press Capslock again to “unlock” or return to the lowercase mode.

Tab key (Tabulator key) – Pressing this key moves the cursor to the next tab stop at the right of the cursor’s present position. Use the tab key to indent the first line in a paragraph of text or to move from one area of the screen to another.

Esc key (Escape key) – You can use this key in most programs to back out of the program or quit whatever you are currently doing.

Enter key – Use this key to end a paragraph in a word processing program, to go to the next line or to confirm or execute a command you have selected or typed.

Backspace key – this key deletes the character to the left of the cursor. It is also used to delete the character you have just typed.

Function keys – each of these keys starts with F and a number. They are typically used by application software to enter commands quickly.

Ctrl and Alt keys – the Ctrl (control) and Alt (Alternate) keys make the other keys on the keyboard act differently from the way they normally act.

Arrow keys – also known as the cursor movement keys, the arrow keys move the cursor (the blinking vertical line or box) around the screen.

Numeric keypad – the numeric keypad consists of a group of number keys arranged like the keys on an adding machine. This keypad includes a numlock key. With the Numlock key On, you can use the number keypad to type numbers.

Status lights – the status lights are ON to show whether the Numlock key, Capslock key, or the Scroll Lock key is on.