The keyboard is one of the primary ways we communicate with the computer and enter data. There are many different types of computer keyboards, including wired, wireless, ergonomic, and multimedia. Although there may be differences in the location of some keys or features, keyboards are very similar and allow you to accomplish basically the same tasks.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn about the different parts of the keyboard.
The Enter key carries out commands. For example, while on the Internet, you can type a website address and then press Enter to go to the site. It is also used to start a new line in word processing programs.
The Backspace key erases the character to the left of the cursor.
The main part of the keyboard includes the alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers) and the spacebar.
The Tab key is used to create indents in word processing programs. Also, if you are filling out a form online, you can use the Tab key to switch to the next field.
The numeric keypad resembles a calculator keypad. Many users find that it is easier to type numbers using this keypad. On some keyboards, these keys double as arrow keys.
Cursor Control Keys
The cursor control keys can vary, but they will usually include the following:
• Delete: This erases the character to the right of the cursor.
• Insert: This switches between insert mode (which inserts new text without deleting anything) and overtype mode (which deletes text after the cursor as you type).
• Home and End: These move the cursor to the beginning or end of the current line.
• Page Up and Page Down: These scroll a document or webpage up or down.
Print Screen, Scroll Lock, & Pause/Break
The Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys are at the top-right corner of the keyboard. The Print Screen key takes a picture of your screen (called a screenshot) that you can edit or save using a graphics program. Scroll Lock and Pause/Break are rarely used today, so some keyboards don't have them.
The function keys are labeled F1 through F12. Some programs use these keys as shortcuts for common tasks. For example, in many programs, F1 opens the Help file.
On some keyboards, the function keys also control things like the sound volume or monitor brightness.
The Escape (Esc) key allows you to stop a function or action. For example, if a webpage is taking a long time to load, you can press the Escape key to stop loading it.
The arrow keys are used for many different purposes, including moving the cursor, scrolling a document, and controlling a game.
Ctrl, Alt, and Shift
The Control (Ctrl), Alternate (Alt), and Shift keys are designed to work in combination with other keys. Typically, you hold down Ctrl, Alt, or Shift and then type another key to perform a specific task. For example, in many programs, typing Ctrl+S will save a file.
Keyboards that are designed for Macs have a Command key, which is often used instead of the Control key.
If you want to learn how to type or improve your touch-typing skills, check out our free Typing Tutorial.