The keyboard is one of the most common input devices for the computer. The layout of the keyboard is like that of the traditional QWERTY typewriter. It is used to feed data to the computer. It is usually conation the following keys:
-
Function Keys
-
Alphabet Keys
-
Special Keys
-
Arrow Keys/Cursor Control Keys
-
Number Keys/Numeric Key Pad
Function Keys:
Function keys are programmed for specific operations. These are labeled from F1
to F12. These are placed on the upper side of the keyboard sequentially.
Alphabet Keys:
Alphabet keys are collections of alphabet characters. This contains A to
Z characters.
Special Keys: Special
keys are keys of the keyboard. These keys are used for a special tasks. For example :
Esc, Ctrl, Alt, Enter, Print Screen, Insert,
Del, Scroll Lock, Pause, Break, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Shift, etc.
Arrow Keys/Cursor Control Keys: These keys are usually used for cursor controls.
These keys are: left arrow, Right arrow, Up arrow, Down arrow, Page up, Page
down, Home & End.
Number Keys/ Numeric KeyPad: These keys are arranged as a pad as same as a calculator. They are placed
in the rightmost corner of the keyboard. It contains number keys 0 to 9.
TYPES OF KEYBOARD
There are mainly four (4) types of keyboard. They are:
a) PC/XT Keyboard
b) PC/AT Keyboard
c) Enhanced
Keyboard
d) Windows
Keyboard
(Note: XT means Extended Technology and AT means Advanced Technology)