Functions of PC Keyboards

1. The keyboard of a personal computer looks similar to the keyboard of a

traditional typewriter. The letter keys are arranged in the same pattern, which
allows a typist to easily adapt to the computer keyboard. Yet, there are additional
keys on the computer keyboard which provide specific functions.

QWERTY Keys

2. The portion containing the same keys as the standard keyboard is called the
Sholes keyboard, or QWERTY keys. Sholes is in reference to the inventor of the
keyboard and QWERTY applies to the top row of letters of these keys. Their
function is to type specific letters. But they can also be used as a shortcut to carry
out a command, when pressed with another key. For example, in many
applications pressing the control key with the "P" key is a printing shortcut.

Function Keys

3. The top row of keys (numbered from F1 to F12) contains function keys. The
function each key performs depends on the software program being used. Pressing
a key while using one software program may perform one function, yet if the
same key is pressed while in another program, a completely different function
might be performed. Also contained within the function keys is the Escape key,
located to the far left of the row. This key is marked "Esc" and when pressed
(depending on the program) it terminates or cancels a command.
 Numeric Keypad

4. The numeric keypad is located to the far right of the keyboard. Instead of using
the number keys along the top of the QWERTY keys to input numbers, the
keypad can be used. This offers a speedy way for data entry operators to enter
numbers. The number lock must be on before the keys can be used. If left
unlocked, the keys are used for navigation, to move the cursor in the document,
according to the direction of the arrow pressed.

Navigation Keys

5. If using the numeric keypad to input numbers, the navigation section of the
keyboard is used to move the cursor around in the document. These are the arrow
keys located to the left of the numeric keypad. These keys allow the user to move
up and down the page, or to the right, left, up or down.

Special Use Keys

6. Located on either side of the QWERTY keys are special use keys. The escape
key, which was mentioned in the section on function keys, is sometimes
considered a special use key, instead of a function key. Other special use keys
include the Enter, Backspace, Tab, Shift, Control, Alternate, Number Lock and
Scroll Lock key. The Enter key is used to execute a command or make a
paragraph break. The Backspace key deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
When the Shift key is pressed with a QWERTY letter key, that letter will be
capitalized, or lower case if the capital lock is on. Control and Alternate keys are
used to perform other commands or shortcuts when pressed with other keys,
depending on the desired command.