Keyboard

What is it?

The keyboard is an input device. It has letter and number keys, and what are called function keys, computer specific task keys, that allow you, the user, to use an English-like language to issue instructions to an electronic environment. It is the primary input device. It uses a cursor to keep your place on the screen and to let you know where to begin typing. You are able to input commands, type data into documents, compose documents, draw pictures with use of certain keys, pull down menus, and respond to prompts issued by the computer. Almost all computers require you to use a keyboard unless, of course, it is adapted for individuals with disabilities or for a specified alternative input devices.

The keyboard contains special keys to manipulate the user interface. When a key is touched, an electrical impulse is sent through the device which is picked up by the operating system software, and sent through the computer to be processed.

The keyboard operates as a typical typewriter and uses a standard "QWERTY" keyboard. QWERTY is the way the keyboard is set up for typing. If you look at the keyboard under the top number row, you will see that the alphabet top row begins with QWERTY.

Special Features

Special features of the keyboard include:

Numeric keypad: This portion of the keyboard allows you to use the keyboard like a calculator and input numbers into application programs. It has a Num lock key that when depressed, will activate that portion of the keyboard so that numbers can be entered. When the lock key is not on, there are arrow keys on the keys which then work to move the cursor in different directions. The "NUM LOCK" key is a toggle key which switches back and forth between these two modes.

Caps Lock: The "CAP LOCKS" key works in this same manner as the "NUM LOCK" key. If the Cap Lock is lit on your screen the keyboard will type only in capitals. If the Cap Lock light is not lit it will type only in small letters.

Function Keys: The function keys are used to initiate commands on help menus or database programs especially before the development and use of computer pointing devices. They are still used extensively today as options on the keyboard to pull down menus or to be programmed to do specific functions in application programs. Ctrl or Shift keys also work with Function keys to add more commands to programs and what are called shortcuts, ways to operate functions like saving and deleting without going through elaborate features and steps. Short cuts speed up typing and input into the computer.

Escape Key: One of the most important keys is the escape key. It usually cancels the last command or takes you back to the previous step in a program.

Types

Main Types of Keyboards:

Keyboards come in may shapes and sizes. They can be large and small, almost like a custom car. They come in various colors and can be designed specifically for the user, especially in the case of the disabled.

QWERTY: The most popular is the standard QWERTY keyboard. The newer keyboards can have a trackball built into the keyboard. This allows the user the convenience of a built in pointing device. The trackball acts as the mouse and saves time and space in the work area.

Ergonomic: This keyboard is built so that the keyboard is divided into two parts. One half fits the right hand and the other half fits the left hand. This split keyboard arrangement is built to fit the natural positioning of the hand and to help with repetitive motion hand injury which occurs when a job is carried out over and over again, such as in keyboarding.