(A.3.4) What are the basic parts of a desktop computer - Keyboard

Keyboard

Standard PC Keyboard

The keyboard is a piece of hardware that resembles a typewriter keyboard. It is one of the primary ways we communicate with the computer and enter data. There are many different types of computer such as wired, wireless, ergonomic, multimedia, and more. Although there may be differences in the location of some keys or features, keyboards are very similar and allow you to accomplish basically the same tasks. The images below show you three different types of keyboards.

Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard

About the Keyboard

• The main part of a computer keyboard has alpha-numeric (letter and number) keys similar to a typewriter. However, the keyboard also features keys that cause the computer to perform specific tasks.
  
  
• The Escape key, labeled Esc, allows you to stop a function or action. For example, if your computer suddenly freezes up, you may be able to resume by pressing Esc.
  
  
• The Function keys, along the top of the keyboard, are labeled F1, F2, up to F12. These shortcut keys allow you to quickly complete a specific task within certain programs. For example, F1 opens Help in Microsoft Office.

• The Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause/Break keys are at the far right end of the keyboard. The Print Screen key takes a "picture" of your screen that you can edit or save using a graphics program.
  
  
• The Enter key carries out commands. For example, while on the Internet, you can type in a website address, called a URL, and press Enter to go to the site.
  
  
• The Control (Ctrl), Alternate (Alt), and Shift keys are designed to work with other keys. For example, if you press Ctrl + S at the same time, you can save a file.
  
  
• The Backspace key erases the character to the left of
  the cursor.

• To the right of the regular keys is the cursor control pad. At the bottom are four arrow keys. Pressing any one of these keys moves the cursor in the direction of the arrow.
  
  Depending on the keyboard you are using, there are five to six keys above the arrows including:
  
  • The Delete key erases the character to the right the cursor.
  • The Insert key switches between the insert mode and overtype mode. The insert mode is the normal mode for word processing.
  • The Home key moves the cursor to the left or beginning of the current line.
  • End moves the cursor to the right end of the current line.
  • Page Up and Page down take you to the top or bottom of the screen. 
   
• The Number pad, at the far right end of the keyboard, resembles a calculator keypad. Similar to the curser keys, you can use the arrow keys on this keypad to move the cursor.

Mac Keyboard