Computer Keyboard and its Functions.
(for all types of competitive exams, computer exams, HSSC CET exams)
Christopher Latham Sholes an American inventor invented the QWERTY keyboard layout in 1868. He designed it for the typewriter.
E. Remington and Sons manufactured and sold sholes typewriter.
Most common input device used to type text, numbers and commands.
A standard keyboard usually has 101,104 or 108 keys (Windows keyboard)
Types of Keyboards: –
Wired Keyboard – Connected through USB.
Wireless Keyboard – Uses with Bluetooth or RF technology.
Mechanical Keyboard – Durable and faster typing keyboard and have physical switches under keys.
Membrane keyboard – Uses with pressure pads and they are quieter and cheaper.
Virtual Keyboard – On screen keyboard and used in touch device.
Bee Raider Keyboard –Advanced technology keyboard. Mostly used for Gaming purpose.
Different types of keys: –
Alphabetic keys Numeric Keys used two types of text and numbers
A-Z (letters) → Press A to type “a” (small letter) and Press Shift +A to type “A” (capital letter).
0-9 (Numbers)→ Located above alphabet keys (Press 1 to type 1 or Press shift +any numbers to type different symbols to type symbol !, @, #, $, %, &)
Numeric keypads→ Located on the right side. it is used for fast calculations and works with NumLocks. Contains numbers 0-9 and arithmetic keys (+, -, *, /)
Function Keys (F1-F12) located at the top of the keyboard in first line. Each key performs special functions: –
F1 → Opens the Help screen for almost every program.
F2 → allows you to Rename a selected file or folder.
F3 →Opens a search feature for an application that is active at the moment.
F4 → Alt+F4 closes the active window.
F5 → Allows you to refresh or reload the page or document windows.
F6 → Moves the cursor to the address bar in most internet browsers.
F7 → Used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft application such as MS Word.
F8 → Used to access the boot menu in windows when turning on computer.
F9 → Refreshes a document in MS Word and sends and receives e-mails in MS outlook.
F10 → Activated the menu Bar of an open application, shift+F10 is the same as right click.
F11 → Enters and exists full screen mode in internet browsers.
F12 → Opens the Save As in MS Word.
Control Keys/ Modifier keys
Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Esc, Windows key – used with other key to perform shortcuts
For Example : –
Ctrl +C – Copy
Ctrl + V – Paste
Ctrl + S – Save
Ctrl+ X – Cut
Ctrl+ Z – Undo
Ctrl +A – Select all
Alt key is used with other keys for shortcuts.
For example: –
Alt +Tab -Switch between programs
Alt + F4 – Close program
Shift key used to type capital letters and to use to type upper symbols
Windows Key used to open start menu
For example: –
Win + E – Open File explorer
Win + L – Lock computer
Esc Key (Escape Key) to cancel current action and exit full screen.
Arrow Keys/Navigation Keys
Arrow keys – to move cursor up, down, left, right. ↑↓ ←→
Home key – to move cursor to beginning of line.
End key – move cursor to end of line.
Page Up (PgUp)- to move page up and Page Down (PgDn)- to move page down.
Insert – toggle between insert and overwrite mode.
Delete – used to delete text the right of the cursor.
Backspace key – to delete text the left of cursor.
Used to move cursor and navigate document
Toggle Keys Keys that switch a function On or OFF each time you press them.
When pressed once – Function turns ON
When pressed again – Function turns OFF
Main toggle keys are: –
Caps Lock used to turns capital letters ON or OFF
When ON- all letters type in CAPITAL
When OFF- Letters Type in small case
Num Lock used to control the numeric keypad
When ON – Numeric keypad types numbers
When OFF – Numeric keypad works as arrow/ navigation keys
Scroll Lock used to controls screen scrolling (in some programs like MS Excel) Rarely used in modern computers.
Special keys: –
Enter key – Used to move cursor to next line and to confirm command.
Spacebar – Insert space between words.
Tab key – To move cursor to next tab space and to indent paragraph
Caps Lock – Type capital letters continuously.
Num Lock – To activate Numeric keypad.
Scroll Lock– To change Scrolling Behaviour (rarely used)
Print Screen (PrtSc) – Take screenshot.
Pause/ Break – Pause screen output (rarely used).
Numeric keypad located on the right side and used for fast number typing.
Includes Numbers (0-9)
Add (+)
Subtract (-)
Multiply (x)
Divide (/)
Enter (↵)
Multimedia Keys (in some keyboards)
Volume Up/ Down
Mute
Play /Pause
Next/ Previous Track
Open Email
Open Browser