The keyboard has already been identified as an input device. This is a component that closely resembles a typewriter console.
While working on the PC using a keyboard, you will notice a flashing point on the VDU. This is the cursor. When you press a key on the keyboard, a character is displayed at the point where the cursor is flashing and the cursor moves one position forward. The keyboard provides different keys to perform various operations.
Key | Function |
| F1- F12 (Function keys) | Used to perform special functions that depend on the software being used. |
| Enter or Return | Used to execute an instruction or data being keyed in through the keyboard |
| Caps lock | Used for keying in capitalized alphabets. |
| Shift | Capslock off: If pressed simultaneously with a character key, a capitalized alphabet is input. Capslock on: It reverses the above effect. Also used to input the upper symbols for keys with two symbols or characters on them. |
| Ctrl, Alt | Pressed with other keys, they input special messages to the computer. |
| Backspace | Used to erase the character to the left of the cursor position. |
| Numlock | Used to activate the numeric keys on the Numeric keypad. |
| Cursor keys | Used to move the cursor in the direction indicated. |
| Home, End, PgUp, PgDn | Used to perform special functions, with which you will become familiar during the course. |
| Ins | Used to insert characters at the current cursor position. |
| Del | Used to delete characters at the current cursor position. |
| Esc | Depends on the application. Usually used to cancel a command. |
| Print Screen | Used to print whatever is displayed on the screen. |
| SysRq | System Required; depends on the application. |
The Keys and their Functions