This keyboard is based on the typewriter keyboard, but there are differences in the ways the keys are used. Also, the computer keyboard has special keys and performs functions that can save you time and effort. A brief explanation of the keys follows.

Escape Key

Starting at the top left - the Escape key [Esc], is used to exit or escape from programs and tasks. Its function is to go back to a previous screen or exit a program.

Function Keys

On across the top, F1 through F12, these keys are useful in many programs. For example, the F1 key will bring up a help menu in the application or program you are using. When surfing the internet, F5 always refreshes your screen. Sometimes the function keys are used in combination with other keys.  Learn more about the Function Keys.                

Print Screen [PrintScrn]                                                       Back to Top

The Print Screen key "copies" the screen to the clipboard, which you must paste into a program, and print the screen from that program. (Microsoft Word works well)

Scroll Lock 

When the Scroll Lock key is on, the screen seems to scroll while the mouse cursor stays in position. When the Scroll Lock key is off, the cursor moves to the bottom or top of the screen before the screen starts scrolling.

Pause/Break

For your usage, this is a non-functioning key, it was used in programming and debugging applications. 

Tab

In the browser this key takes you through forms and links on internet pages, use the tab key + shift to go back.  In other programs this key works like the tab key on the typewriter moving to preset positions with one stroke, or in spreadsheet programs it moves you from cell to cell..

Caps Lock                                                                     Back to Top

Press to turn it on, press it again to turn it off. This is useful when typing in all caps, although it only affects the alphabetic keys.  This is also the first thing to check if you type in your password (they are all sensitive to caps and lower case letters) and it doesn't work.

Shift Key

Like the good old typewriter, the shift key works with all the characters on the keyboard, i.e., shift + 1 equals an exclamation mark. The Shift key also gives other keys additional functions. 

Control Key (CTRL) 

This key is one of the most work-saving keys on the keyboard and really important when learning the computer. Most of its functions work the same in most programs.  For example: ctrl + a equals "select all"; ctrl + s equals "save"; ctrl + v equals paste.  There are many uses for this key.  In the program you are using to view this page, you may select a drop down menu at the top and see which functions can be performed from the keyboard using ctrl + another character. Shortcuts using CTRL and ALT.

Windows Key                                                               Back to Top

Look for the small Microsoft Windows symbol and press it once, this will bring up the start menu, press it again to close the start menu. Use the Window key with other keys for some helpful shortcuts. Use the Windows key + D to minimize all the open windows and press Windows + D again to return all windows to their original position. Here's more on the Windows Key.

Alternate Key (ALT)  

This key is used in combination with other keys. In most Windows programs, each of the drop down menus at the top of this window has one letter underlined. Hold down the Alt key while pressing the key corresponding to the underlined letter, the menu opens as if you clicked your mouse on that word. To open the Edit window, hold the Alt key down and press e, to close the menu click anywhere on the page. More on ALT AND CTRL keys.

Space Bar  

Works like the spacebar on the typewriter keyboard.

Enter Key                                                                              Back to Top

This key is usually marked Enter, sometimes it labeled with only a large arrow, and sometimes it has both. It's logical placement is where the Return Key was on the Typewriter...and if you a typing a letter, this is the key you press to end a paragraph and return to the beginning of the next paragraph.  It does other tasks as well, i.e., if you select an icon with one click, press enter to complete the function and open the program.  

Application Key 

The key with a design that looks like document, located on the space bar row is a shortcut for right clicking.

Backspace Key 

The key is labeled with a left-pointing arrow, the word backspace or both. It deletes characters by backing up or to the left. CTRL + Backspace deletes a whole word. ALT + Backspace deletes a whole sentence. 

Insert Key (Ins)

The Insert key is automatically on as a default, there is usually no reason to turn it off.  If you find yourself "overwriting" material, rather than "inserting" - you have probably accidentally turned it off.  Press once and continue working.

Delete Key (Del)                                                             Back to Top

The Delete key deletes characters by going forward, or to the right. CTRL + Delete deletes a whole word. The Delete key can also be used in Windows to remove a highlighted or chosen file or shortcut.

Navigation Keys

Navigating with hand controls from the keyboard is accomplish by using the keys to the right of the Typing section.  Keys with arrows, Page Down, Page Up, End, and Home all move you around the page in a fairly obvious and clearly state manner. The arrow keys move the cursor in the direction they point, page up and page down move you in the stated direction one screen at a time, and End and Home take you, you guessed it...to the bottom or the top of the page.  These are especially useful when surfing the Internet.

Numeric Keypad [NumLock]

The Num Lock key is in the left hand corner in what can only be described as the "calculator" section of the keyboard - when the key is pressed it lights an indicator and the keys can be used to enter numbers. When off, the functions listed below the number on selected keys will work, providing more keys for navigation. When NumLock is on you can use the numeric pad with the calculator accessible in the Accessories Folder, additional keys provide calculator functions: / for divide; * for multiply; - and + for minus and plus; and an enter key completes the "equals" function.

The time that you spend learning computer keyboard skills will save you a lot of time down the road. Learning the location of the keys, and honing your typing skills will play a major roll in making using the computer a pleasure rather than a torture.

Keyboard Practice & Typing Skills 

• Shortcut Keys - help provide an easier and usually quicker method of navigating and using computer software programs.

• Touch Typing - Free Program that lets you exercise and learn Touch Typing.

• Typing Tutor - Improving your typing skills by playing a simple game.

• Balloon Blast - Improve your typing speed with this little game.

• Take a Free Typing Test at www.learn2type.com

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