Parts of a Computer Keyboard & their Uses

The computer has basically the following parts:

(i) Alphabetic keys.  

(ii) Numeric keys.

(iii) Functional keys.

(iv) Alphanumeric keys (typing keys)

(v) Cursor control keys.

1. Alphabetic Keys:

They consist of A – Z on the keyboard.

Uses:

• For Typing office letters.
• For Performing special jobs such as the closing of applications and use of shortcuts.
• For entering text into text editors e.g. Notepad, WordPad, Microsoft Word and others.

2. Numeric Keys:

This contains numeric 0-9. The numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard is arranged in the same way and pattern as a calculator keypad.  The numeric keys on the left have epical symbols written on each of them such as “/”,”*”, “__”, etc

Uses:

• It allows you to enter figures quickly into the system.
• It can be used to perform a task involving computation for example division, multiplication addition etc.

3. Functional Keys:

These are rows of twelve (12) keys labelled F1-F12 and grouped in batches of four. They are located at the top of the keyboard. They are the first row of the keyboard. They are specifically used with some programs. Their functions depend on the programs you are working with. They are F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, and F12.

Uses:

• To activate the menu bar.
• To search for a file or folder.
• To access help.
• To display the address bar list in the system.

4. Alphanumeric keys (Typing Keys)

There is a combination of alphabet keys (A-Z) and numeric keys (0-9). They are arranged in rows. These keys are used to type text into the computer.

Uses:

• It enables the input of data or information into the system.
• It allows for a special task to be performed.
• It can be used for typing documents, for example, letters.

5. Cursor Control Keys:

These are a group of ten keys divided into two parts. They are six in a row: insert, delete, home, end, page up, and page down keys. The four below are also called direction or navigation keys, they are:

• Upper arrow.
• Down arrow.
• Right arrow.
• Left arrow.

Uses:

• To put characters or words in between.
• The selected key is used to erase a character.
• To move the cursor to the beginning of a line of text, press the home key.   
• The end key moves the cursor to the end of the line.
• The page up key moves a whole page up once.
• Page down key moves a whole page down once.