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Keyboard
Posted by Unknown
on
13:44
One of the primary input devices used with a
computer, the keyboard looks very similar to the keyboards of electric
typewriters, with some additional keys. Keyboards allow a computer user to input
letters, numbers, and other symbols into a computer and is what allows you to
write e-mail and is what you used to visit this web page. Below is an example of
the Saitek Gamers' keyboard with indicators
pointing to each of the major portions of the keyboard.
Overview of each section of the keyboard
Keyboard
The keyboard is the primary portion of the keyboard that contains
all alphanumeric and symbol keys. Today most users use the QWERTY style keyboards, as shown in the below graphic
illustration.
Function keys
The Function keys or F1 through F12
keys are used in programs as shortcut keys to performed frequently performed
tasks. For example, the F1 key is the key to open the online help for most
programs.
Control Keys
The Control keys are what give you additional control of a
document. See our Control keys definition for
additional information and further examples of control keys.
Keypad
Although not available on all computer keyboards, especially
laptops; the keypad gives the user a quick access to numbers and math functions
such as plus, divide, times, and subtract. See the keypad definition for further information, pictures, and
related links.
Wrist pad
In the above example, this plastic wrist pad is included with the
keyboard and is intended to help support the users wrists and relieve stress
found from typing on a keyboard. Many computer keyboards do not include a wrist
pad; however, there are hundreds of different options for keyboard wrist pads
that can be purchased at any local computer
retail store or online.
Tip: Experts debate the need for wrist pads
and many Ergonomic experts argue that using a wrist pad may be more stressful
and may lead to carpal tunnel. Many experts
recommend that all computer users keep their hands elevated when typing on the
keyboard and not resting on any surface.
Arrow keys
Finally, the arrow keys are four directional arrow keys that allow
the user to move their cursor and position on a page. See our arrow keys definition for further information on
this term and
