A keyboard is a device designed for the user to enter information into a computer. The standard keyboard has 102 or 101 keys. In addition, there may be additional keys depending on the model. All standard keys are arranged according to the generally accepted layout.
Instructions
Step 1
According to their purpose, the keys located on the keyboard can be divided into 6 categories:
- alphanumeric;
- functional;
- specialized;
- cursor control;
- digital panel;
- modifiers.
The topmost row of the keyboard contains 12 function keys. Below them are alphanumeric keys. To the right of them are the cursor keys, and to the right is the numeric keypad.
Step 2
The keys that are part of the alphanumeric block include keys designed to enter numbers, letters, special characters, punctuation marks, arithmetic operators. There are 47 of them in the alphanumeric block on a standard keyboard. In countries where the alphabet lacks such a number of characters, modified keyboards with additional keys are produced.
Step 3
The function keys are located at the very top of the keyboard. They are designated F1 through F12. Depending on the software used, they are endowed with certain functions. They often work in combination with the Ctrl, Alt, Shift keys.
Step 4
Keys such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, alt="Image" Gr, Caps Lock are called modifiers. Their main purpose is to change the properties of other keys. For example, by pressing and holding Shift, letters are written in upper case. Frequent use of modifiers dictated their increased size.
Step 5
The keys on the numeric keypad, located on the far right of the keyboard, duplicate the keys of the alphanumeric block and are intended for entering numbers and mathematical operators. The number pad is much more convenient for entering these characters, especially if you need to work with them frequently.
Step 6
Many keyboards have additional keys. They serve for the convenience of managing e-mail, easy navigation on the Internet and working with multimedia players.
