keyboard

Key Types

• A computer keyboard is divided into sections according to function type. The alphanumeric and typing keys function in much the same way as a typewriter. The numeric keypad works like a traditional adding machine so you can enter numbers quickly. The control keys, used either alone or in combination with other keys, perform specific actions. The function keys each perform a specific program task. The navigation keys move your cursor around a document or Web page.

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Most actions or commands that you can enter through a menu or with your mouse can also be executed using keyboard shortcuts. Open any menu in a program to see which commands have shortcuts. For example, to copy text you can click an icon, navigate a menu, or use the shortcut Ctrl+C (press the control key and "C" simultaneously).

ALT Key

• In a program with menus, pressing the "Alt" key will underline one letter in each of the menu names. Press the underlined letter to open the corresponding menu or choose the particular command.

Odd Keys

• There are three additional keys on your keyboard that each have a specific function. The print screen, or "Prt Scn", key copies your current screen to your computer's clipboard, which you can then use to paste the image into another program. Another key, scroll lock ("Scr Lk"), will sometimes change the function of your navigation keys, though pressing scroll lock will have no effect in most programs. The third special key, the "Pause/Break," will pause some older programs. In combination with the control key, pause/break sometimes ends the program.

Other Keys

• Newer keyboards have other keys, such as buttons that activate commands, files or programs. Some keyboards include volume controls or other gadgets like scroll or zoom wheels.