There are two main tools used to control your computer: the mouse and the keyboard. In this lesson, we'll discuss the different types of keys on a keyboard.
1. Shift keys
The shift keys are a pair of keys on either side of the main panel. When pressed on their own, they do nothing. However, when pressed in conjunction with a letter or number key (see below), it enters something different than what is displayed on the key. I'll explain the use of shift keys in each situation below.
The shift keys are a pair of keys on either side of the main panel. When pressed on their own, they do nothing. However, when pressed in conjunction with a letter or number key (see below), it enters something different than what is displayed on the key. I'll explain the use of shift keys in each situation below.
2. Letter keys
The letter keys are exactly what they sound like. Each one corresponds to a letter in the alphabet. When you press a letter key, it enters that letter, in lowercase, into the computer. If you want to type a letter in uppercase, hold down either shift key and then press the letter key.
Alternatively, you can use Caps Lock (located just to the left of the "A" key to capitalize everything you type.
The letter keys are exactly what they sound like. Each one corresponds to a letter in the alphabet. When you press a letter key, it enters that letter, in lowercase, into the computer. If you want to type a letter in uppercase, hold down either shift key and then press the letter key.
Alternatively, you can use Caps Lock (located just to the left of the "A" key to capitalize everything you type.
3. Number keys
The number keys, when pressed, enter their corresponding numbers into the computer. On large size keyboards, there are two sets of number keys: the number row and the number pad/numpad (pictured above). On small size keyboards, which are common on laptops, only the numbers row is present.
The keys on the numbers row each have a number from 0 to 10 printed on them, as well as a special character or punctuation mark above the number.
The keys on the numpad all have a number and another function printed on them. Above the numpad is a key labeled "NUM LOCK". When you press NUM LOCK, the numpad toggles between number key mode and function mode. The 2, 4, 8, and 6 keys turn into arrow keys, the 7 key turns into "Home" (scrolls to the top of the page), the 1 key turns into "End" (scrolls to the bottom of the page), the 9 key turns into "PgUp" (scrolls up in increments), and the 3 key turns into "PgDn" (scrolls down in increments).
The shift key does not do anything when held down in conjunction with a key on the numpad. However, when you hold shift and press a key in the number row, it will enter the special character or punctuation mark into the computer.
The number keys, when pressed, enter their corresponding numbers into the computer. On large size keyboards, there are two sets of number keys: the number row and the number pad/numpad (pictured above). On small size keyboards, which are common on laptops, only the numbers row is present.
The keys on the numbers row each have a number from 0 to 10 printed on them, as well as a special character or punctuation mark above the number.
The keys on the numpad all have a number and another function printed on them. Above the numpad is a key labeled "NUM LOCK". When you press NUM LOCK, the numpad toggles between number key mode and function mode. The 2, 4, 8, and 6 keys turn into arrow keys, the 7 key turns into "Home" (scrolls to the top of the page), the 1 key turns into "End" (scrolls to the bottom of the page), the 9 key turns into "PgUp" (scrolls up in increments), and the 3 key turns into "PgDn" (scrolls down in increments).
The shift key does not do anything when held down in conjunction with a key on the numpad. However, when you hold shift and press a key in the number row, it will enter the special character or punctuation mark into the computer.
4. Spacebar
The spacebar is a long bar at the bottom of the main panel that enters one space right after the last thing you typed. The spaces between words that you see were created by using the spacebar.
The spacebar is a long bar at the bottom of the main panel that enters one space right after the last thing you typed. The spaces between words that you see were created by using the spacebar.
5. Modifier Keys
The modifier keys are a set of three keys on the keyboard that are used in "keyboard shortcuts". A keyboard shortcuts a combination of keys that, when pressed simultaneously, perform some task that ordinarily requires use of a mouse or other input device and may take longer to do.
On Windows, most keyboard shortcuts require the use of the Control (Ctrl) key. On OS X, most keyboard shortcuts require the use of the Command Key. For example, if you want to copy highlighted text, press Ctrl and C (Windows)/ Command and C (OS X) at the same time. To paste that text, press Ctrl and V/Command and V at the same time. These shortcuts save lots of time!
The modifier keys are a set of three keys on the keyboard that are used in "keyboard shortcuts". A keyboard shortcuts a combination of keys that, when pressed simultaneously, perform some task that ordinarily requires use of a mouse or other input device and may take longer to do.
On Windows, most keyboard shortcuts require the use of the Control (Ctrl) key. On OS X, most keyboard shortcuts require the use of the Command Key. For example, if you want to copy highlighted text, press Ctrl and C (Windows)/ Command and C (OS X) at the same time. To paste that text, press Ctrl and V/Command and V at the same time. These shortcuts save lots of time!
6. Enter
The Enter key is a bar toward the right side of the main panel. It has multiple functions. When you are typing something, it creates a new line. Otherwise, the function is dependent on the app you are using. In most apps, it activates a preset button.
The Enter key is a bar toward the right side of the main panel. It has multiple functions. When you are typing something, it creates a new line. Otherwise, the function is dependent on the app you are using. In most apps, it activates a preset button.
7. Arrow Keys
The Arrow keys are a set of four keys labeled with arrows pointing in all different directions. They are used to navigate menus and windows of certain apps.
The Arrow keys are a set of four keys labeled with arrows pointing in all different directions. They are used to navigate menus and windows of certain apps.