Computer Keyboard and its functions

Computer Keyboard and its functions

TYPES OF COMPUTER KEYBOARD

Types of keys on a computer keyboard:
• Alphanumeric keys – all of the letters and numbers on the keyboard. A-Z and 0-9.

• Punctuation keys – All of the keys associated with punctuation such as the comma,
period, semicolon, brackets, parenthesis and so on. Also, all of the mathematical

operators such as the plus sign, minus sign, and equal sign.

• Special keys – All of the other keys on the computer keyboard such as the function
keys, control keys, arrow keys, caps lock key, delete key, etc.

Special keys on a PC keyboard:

•     Alt key – Short for Alternate, this key is like a second control key.

    • Arrow Keys – Most keyboards have four arrow keys that enable you to move the

cursor (or insertion point) up, down, right, or left. Used in conjunction with the Shift

or Alt keys, the arrow keys can move the cursor more than one position at a time, but

this depends on which program is running.

• Backspace key – Deletes the character just to the left of the cursor (or insertion

point) and moves the cursor to that position.

• Caps Lock Key – A toggle key that, when activated, causes all alphabetic characters

to be uppercase.

• Ctrl key – Short for Control, this key is used in conjunction with other keys to

produce control characters. The meaning of each control character depends on which

program is running.

• Delete Key – Sometimes labeled Del, deletes the character at the current cursor

position, or the selected object, but does not move the cursor. For graphics-based

applications, the Delete key deleted the character to the right of the insertion point.

• Enter Key – Used to enter commands or to move the cursor to the beginning of the

next line. Sometimes labeled Return instead of Enter.

• Esc Key – Short for Escape, this key is used to send special codes to devices and to

exit (or escape) from programs and tasks.

• Function Keys – Special keys labeled F1 to F12. These keys have different meaning

depending on which program is running.