KEYBOARD ESSENTIALS

The main function of a keyboard is to key in data to the computer/device. It acts as a device
input device for data entry. The main types of keyboard keys are functional, alphanumeric,
formatting, special, and numeric among many others.

Keys on the computer keyboard

Alt Key

A computer key that you press together with another key so that the other key does something
different from what it usually does. You can also refer to this key simply as Alt.

Arrow Key

One of four computer keys marked with an up, down, left, or right arrow, used for moving the
cursor.

Backspace

The key that you press on a keyboard to move one space backwards in a document.

Caps Lock

A key on a computer keyboard that makes all the keys produce capital letters.

Character Set

A complete set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be used by a computer.

Command Key

On some computers, a key that you press together with another key to make the computer do a
particular thing.

Control

The control key on a computer keyboard.

Control Key

A key on a computer keyboard that is used in combination with other keys for doing particular
operations. This key is usually marked ‘Ctrl’.
ctrl abbreviation control: the control key on a computer keyboard.

Delete Key

A computer key that removes characters. This key is sometimes simply referred to as del.

Enter Key

A key on a computer keyboard that makes the computer perform an action or start a new line of
writing.

Escape

The escape key on a computer.

Escape Key

A key on a computer keyboard that allows someone to stop an action, leave a program, or return
to a previous menu. This key is usually marked ‘Esc’.

Function Key

A special button on a computer keyboard that is used for a particular operation in a program. The
keys near the top of a keyboard marked ‘F1’ to ‘F12’ are function keys.

Hot Key

A key on a computer keyboard that provides a short way of performing a set of actions

Key

One of the parts that you press on a keyboard to make it produce letters, numbers etc.

Keypad

The part at the side of a computer keyboard that has number keys and arrow keys on it.

Numeric Keypad

The part of a computer keyboard to the right of the main keys that has keys with numbers on
them.

Num Lock

A computer key that you press to make the number keys below it enter numbers and not be used
for moving up and down a document.

Pound Key

American the hash key on a telephone keypad or computer keyboard.

Return

A return key.
Return key

A key on a computer keyboard that makes the computer perform an action or start a new line of
writing.

Shift

Computing a shift key on a computer keyboard.

Shift Key

The key that you press on a computer keyboard when you want to write a capital letter.

Short Cut

Computing a computer icon or a combination of keys on the keyboard such as ‘Alt + C’ that
helps you to do something on the computer more quickly, for example go to a particular program
or copy information.

Space Bar

The long narrow bar at the front of a computer keyboard that you press to make a space between
words when you are typing.

Star key

The key with the asterisk symbol (*) on a telephone keypad or computer keyboard.

Tab

Computing a button on a computer keyboard or typewriter that you press to move several spaces
along the same line.

Tab key

A tab on a computer keyboard.

Toggle

Computing a key or command (=instruction) on a computer that you use to move from one
operation or program to another and back again.

Touchpad

Computing a small flat surface on a laptop computer that you touch with your finger in order to
move the cursor on the screen.
List of Common Control Key Shortcuts

 Ctrl+A These two keys will select all text or other objects.
 Ctrl+B Bold highlighted text.
 Ctrl+C Copy any selected text or another object.
 Ctrl+D Bookmark an open web page or open font window in Microsoft Word.
 Ctrl+E Center text.
 Ctrl+F Open find window.
 Ctrl+G Open Find in a browser and word processors.
 Ctrl+H Open the Find and Replace in Notepad, Microsoft Word, and WordPad
 Ctrl+I Italicize text.
 Ctrl+J View downloads in browsers and set justify alignment in Microsoft Word.
 Ctrl+K Create a hyperlink for the highlighted text in Microsoft Word and many HTML
editors.
 Ctrl+L Select address bar in a browser or
left align text in a word processor.
 Ctrl+M Indent selected text in word processors and other programs.
 Ctrl+N Create a new page or document.
 Ctrl+O Open a file in most programs.
 Ctrl+P Open a print window to print the page you're viewing.
 Ctrl+R Reload page in browser or right align text in a word processor.
 Ctrl+S Save the document or file.
 Ctrl+T Create a new tab in an Internet browser or adjust tabs in word processors.
 Ctrl+U Underline selected text.
 Ctrl+V Paste any text or another object that has been copied.
 Ctrl+W Close open tab in a browser or close a document in Word.
 Ctrl+X Cut selected text or another object.
 Ctrl+Y These keys will redo any undo action.
 Ctrl+End Moves cursor to the end of a document instead of end of the line.
 Ctrl+Z Pressing these two keys will undo any action.
 Ctrl+Esc Open the Windows Start Menu.
 Ctrl+Tab Switch between open tabs in browsers or other tabbed programs.
 Ctrl+Shift+Tab Will go backwards (right to left).
 Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Z Redo
 [Ctrl+[] Decrease font size
 Ctrl+] Increase font size
 Ctrl+= Toggle font subscript
 Ctrl+⇧ Shift+= Toggle font superscript
 Ctrl+End Bottom(end of document or window)
 Ctrl+Home Top (start of document or window)
 Ctrl+Insert Copy
 Ctrl+PgDn Next tab
 Ctrl+PgUp Previous tab
 Ctrl+Tab ↹ Next window or tab
 Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Tab ↹ Previous window or tab
 Ctrl+← Previous word
 Ctrl+→ Next word
 Ctrl+Delete Delete next word
 Ctrl+←Backspace Delete previous word
 Ctrl+Alt+←Backspace Restart X11
 Ctrl+Alt+↑ Rotate screen right-side up
 Ctrl+Alt+↓ Rotate screen upside down
 Ctrl+Alt+← Rotate screen left
 Ctrl+Alt+→ Rotate screen right
 Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc Open task manager
 Ctrl+Alt+Del Reboot; Open task manager or session options

20 Common Microsoft Word Shortcut Keys

 Ctrl+W → Close the active window / document.

 Ctrl+Z → Undo an action.
 Ctrl+Y → Redo the last action or repeat an action.
 Ctrl+S → Save a document.
 Ctrl+P → Print a document.
 Ctrl+K → Insert a hyperlink.
 Alt+Left → Arrow Go back one page.
 Alt+Right → Arrow Go forward one page.
 Ctrl+C → Copy selected text or graphics to the Office Clipboard.
 Ctrl+V → Paste the most recent addition to the Office Clipboard.
 Ctrl+Shift+A → Format all letters as capitals.
 Ctrl+B → Applies or removes bold formatting.
 Ctrl+I → Applies or removes italic formatting.
 Ctrl+= → Apply subscript formatting (automatic spacing).
 Alt, F, A → Save As.
 Alt, S, T, I → Insert Table of Contents.
 Alt, S, T, R → Remove Table of Contents.
 Alt, W, F → Full Screen Reading – View > Document Views > Full Screen Reading.
 Alt, W, R → Ruler. View > Show/Hide > Ruler.
 Alt, F, X → Exit Word.

Other Common Keyboard Shortcuts → Action

Windows key → Open or close Start Menu.

Windows key + A → Open Action center.
Windows key + C → Open Cortana in listening mode.
Windows key + D → Display or hide the desktop.
Windows key + E → Open File Explorer.
Windows key + G → Open Game bar when a game is open.
Windows key + H → Open the Share charm.
Windows key + I → Open Settings.
Windows key + K → Open the Connect quick action.
Windows key + L → Lock your PC or switch accounts.
Windows key + M → Minimize all windows.
Windows key + R → Open Run dialog box.
Windows key + S → Open Search.
Windows key + U → Open Ease of Access Center.
Windows key + X → Open Quick Link menu.
Windows key + Number → Open the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the
number.
Windows key + Left arrow key → Snap app windows left.
Windows key + Right arrow key → Snap app windows right.
Windows key + Up arrow key → Maximize app windows.
Windows key + Down arrow key → Minimize app windows.
Windows key + Comma → Temporarily peek at the desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + D → Add a virtual desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow → Switch between virtual desktops.
Windows key + Ctrl + F4 → Close current virtual desktop.
Windows key + Enter → Open Narrator.
Windows key + Home → Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on
second stroke).
Windows key + PrtScn → Capture a screenshot and save in Screenshots folder.
Types of computer keyboard keys and their
functions
A computer keyboard is the main input device that almost all computers come with. It is used to
enter instructions into the computer by pressing the keys which then send the command to
the processor. They can be used in all kinds of devices that use different computer user interfaces
from command, menu, and Graphic User Interface (GUI).

The main function of a keyboard is to key in data to the computer/device. It acts as a device
input device for data entry. The main types of keyboard keys are functional, alphanumeric,
formatting, special, and numeric among many others.

1. How Do Computer Keyboards Work?

How a computer keyboard Works

Computer keyboards work by using different switching methods on the keys including capacitive
switch, contact switch, magnetic reed switch, ferrite core switch, and mercury contact switch.
When a key is pressed it completes a circuit to get a closed circuit. The signal is then sent to the
processor within the keyboard which then gives each key a unique code.

The generated code for that particular press is passed to the computer’s main processor where it
is processed and the result is displayed on the device monitor. When the user releases the key
they were pressing the circuit is open again and the process starts again for a different key that
the user press next.

Parts of computer keyboard keys and their functions.

1. Functional keyboard keys: they range from F1 to F12 and they are found at the top of
the keyboard. They are used for specific functions which are mostly programmed for
them. i.e. F1 is used for Help in the Window Operating system F5 is used for a refresh.
2. Numerical: they range from 0 to 9. They are used to key in numbers and if combined
with other keys they can be used to enter arithmetic signs. They are located on the right
side of the keyboard.
3. Alphanumerical: they range from A to Z and 0 to 9. They are located at the central part
of the keyboard with numbers being on the top line of them. They are used to key in
numbers and letters.
 4. Space bar: it is the longest key on the keyboard and it is used to key in space. It is
located at the bottom line center.
5. Caps lock: it is used to change from capital letters (UPPERCASE) to small letters
(lowercase). By default it is in lowercase, to activate UPPERCASE you pressed the
button, and it lights.
6. Formatting keys: they are mostly found on the right side of the keyboard. They include
home, end, page up, page down, delete, etc. they are used to format documents.

7. Special keys: they include shift, ctrl, and alt. they are used with a combination of other
keys to perform special functions which cannot be done by a single key press e.g. ctrl + C
for copying.

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List of computer keyboard keys and their functions in

Windows
Key Name Keyboard Key Function
F1 to F12 Functional keys are used for a specific function in different applications.
Includes numbers, alphabets, and special characters. To type special
ALPHANUMERIC
characters use a combination of SHIFT+key with character.
TAB Used to change the indent level when typing.
CAPS LOCK Switch from lowercase to uppercase
Use with a combination of other keys. They are also used to type special
SHIFT
characters.
Is used with a combination of other keys. Mostly for shortcuts. i.e CTRL+C
CTRL
to copy
Use with a combination of other keys. I.e CTRL+ALT+DELETE to switch
ALT
user accounts.
Used to open the start button. Can be used with others for special
WINDOW
operations.
ESC Escape key. It is used to stop action for some applications
Used to move cursor one character back. It can also be used to delete
BACKSPACE
characters on the left side of the cursor.
Used to move the next line of the document. Can also be used to accept a
ENTER
command.
DELETE Used to delete a character on the right side of the cursor.
ARROW KEYS They are directional keys. They help move or scroll up, down, left, and right
HOME Moves cursor to the start of typing line
END Move the cursor to the end of the line
INSERT Used to activate overtype mode. when active it overwrites the text on the
 right side of the cursor
PrtScn Used to screen capture the current display on the screen into a picture
PAGE UP Moves page up
PAGE DOWN Moves page down
Not all keyboard has separate number keys. They are used to enter numeric
NUMBERS
values and come with arithmetic signs
Typing a space. Can be used for other special functions in other applications
SPACEBAR
like pausing a video in a media player

Types computer keyboards

Categorized in terms of technology keyboards are classified into 2.

Mechanical computer keyboard.

The mechanical is the oldest type of computer keyboard and it is the one discussed earlier on
how it operates. The other is the virtual keyboard which allows the user to convert any flat non-
reflective surface into a typing area.

Virtual Keyboard

As the word virtual suggests the keyboard is “not real” in the sense that where you are pressing
the keys it is not a physical keyboard like one on a laptop or a desktop.

The above gadget project a full QWERTY keyboard. It is only suitable on a flat non-reflective
where the user can be able to press the virtual keys projected. The device has an infrared light
diode at the bottom which produces a light parallel to the surface.
When the user presses the keys their finger cuts the light at that specific key point. The sensor in
the device senses which key was intended and it sends the command to the computer processor
to the acted upon.

Other types of computer keyboards include:

 Wireless keyboards: this is a keyboard that doesn’t need a cable connector to link to the
computer.
 Ergonomic keyboards: they are designed in such a way as to reduce body strain when
typing.

 Backlit keyboards: mostly used in laptops and they display light under the keys. They
can be used when in a low-light room.
 Gaming keyboards: they are designed for gaming and they respond to keystrokes faster
than other types of computer keyboards
 Flexible keyboard: they are mostly connected using USB and they can be folded. They
are easy to move with

 Multimedia keyboards: they are normal keyboards but with extra buttons to control
media such as video. They have a volume control, pause, end, next button, etc.

Computer keyboard layout

The computer keyboard layout indicates the way different keys are arranged. The keys are
laid out in a specific way so that users can learn how to type fast. There are 3 main types of
keyboard keys layout but the most common is the layout. QWERTY and Dvorak layouts are
available on Windows keyboard settings Colemak you will need to install.

QWERTY keyboard layout

This is the main keyboard keys layout that is used in main computers today. It gets its name from
the way alphabetic keys are arranged on the left side of the keyboard. It was adopted from the
typewriter to computers. If you working from your desktop, laptop, or even your smartphone
then most likely you are using a QWERTY keyboard
Dvorak computer keyboard layout

The Dvorak layout is named after its inventor Dr. August Dvorak. He placed the most common
keys together to increase the typing speed. Vowels are placed on the left and common
consonants are on the right on the same keyboard row

Colemak keyboard keys layout

This is the latest improvement on the keyboard and was invented by Shai Coleman. Coleman
improved on the Dvorak layout by interchanging key
In Windows 10 Colemak keyboard is not available but you can download and install it for
yourself.

On-screen keyboard in Windows 10

Have you ever had a challenge using the physical keyboard or some keys are not working how
they should? An on-screen keyboard is a software keyboard that you can use as an alternative.
On-screen was designed to be used by those who cannot use the normal keyboard because of
physical challenges. It is found in the ease of access tools on the Windows operating system.

Types of keyboard connectors

Computer keyboards can be connected by the use of several methods. The main connector today
is a USB cable. The old type of connector that is not in use anymore is PS/2. To differentiate it
from the mouse it was color-coded purple.

Other types of connectors are wireless keyboards that mostly use Bluetooth to connect.