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Topic Content:
- Computer Keyboard
A computer keyboard is an input device you use for typing commands or text into a computer. The different types of keys on the computer keyboard are listed below:
1. Alphanumeric keys: These are used in entering letters A-Z and numbers 1-9.
2. Special keys: Special keys include: Ctrl, Shift, Spacebar, Alt, Caps-lock and Tab. They perform special functions depending on when and where they are used.
3. When special keys are used with a single letter, they become shortcut keys. Examples include:
Examples of Shortcut Keys:
| Shortcut keys | Description |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected item |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + S | Save a file or document |
| Ctrl + U | Underline |
| Ctrl + A | Select all text |
| Ctrl + X | Cut selected item |
| Ctrl + W | Close program, window, tab, or document |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + L | Align text to the left margin |
| Ctrl + R | Align text to the right margin |
| Ctrl + E | Align text to the centre of the screen |
| Alt + F | File menu options in current program |
| Alt + E | Edit option in current program |
| Ctrl + Del | Cut selected item |
| Ctrl + N | Open new window, tab, or document |
| Ctrl + J | Aligns the selected text or line to justify the screen |
| Ctrl + K | Insert a hyperlink |
| Alt + F4 | Close the currently active Window |
4. Punctuation keys: The examples of punctuation keys include : ; ? ’ ”.
5. Command keys: The command keys are ‘Insert, del, back arrow’. You can turn insertion on or off. The “Insert” or “Ins” key on a keyboard toggles between “insert mode” and “overtype mode”. In “insert mode” (default), typing inserts new text to the right of the cursor, pushing existing text forward. In “overtype mode” (when the Insert key is pressed), typing overwrites the existing text at the cursor position, effectively replacing it.
6. Enter and Return keys: This is used to move the insertion point to the beginning of a new page. In some programs, it is used to send commands and to confirm a task on a computer.
7. Navigation keys: These are the arrow keys, home key, end key, page up, and page down. Arrow keys are used to move the insertion point up, down, right, and left. Home key is used to move the cursor to the left end of a line. End key moves the cursor to the end line. Page up and page down are used to move one page up or down.
8. Numeric keypad: Not all keyboards have a numeric keypad. If available, this is a separate set of keys with numbers 0-9, decimals, special characters and navigation keys. It looks very much like the calculator keyboard.
9. Windows key: The key between the control key and the alternate key is the Windows key. It has the MS logo or the Windows flag. It is used to open the start menu or used in combination with a second key to perform Windows tasks.
9. Function keys: This is identified with F1-F12. The modern computer keyboard has a row of function keys on the top of the keyboard. Microsoft products support the use of function keys. Function keys differ from one program to another. The help menu will assist one in knowing their functions.
10. Escape key: This is marked with ESC. It is basically used to escape or exit from programs or tasks.
