The Keyboard

To understand it better you must be looking at a 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. 
 
Standard 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.
Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
 
  • 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 mosave a file.
  • The Backspace key erases the character to the left of the cursor.

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