Parts of Computer Keyboard – JSS1 Business Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

A computer keyboard is an input device with a set of keys used to type letters, numbers and special characters into a computer. It also has keys for giving commands, moving the cursor and deleting characters.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. name the main parts of a computer keyboard;
2. state the use of the function keys, Enter, Spacebar, Backspace, Delete and Insert keys;
3. state the use of the Shift, Caps Lock, Tab, Ctrl, Alt and Esc keys;
4. describe the numeric keypad and the cursor movement keys and say what they are used for;
5. state the rules of a good typing posture.

What are the main parts of a computer keyboard?

The main parts of a computer keyboard are the alpha-numeric keypad, the function keys, the numeric keypad, the cursor movement keys and the editing and command keys.

What are the typing keys and what do they do?

The typing keys are used to enter text and to space it, capitalise it and set it out on the page.

• Alpha-numeric keypad: has keys for the English alphabet, the numbers 0 to 9 and special characters such as +, -, / and ( ).
• Spacebar: the long key at the bottom, used to enter a space at the cursor.
• Enter: used to start a new line or paragraph and to run a command, like the return key of a typewriter.
• Shift: typed with a letter key, it gives a capital letter.
• Shift (two-character keys): typed with a key that has two characters, it gives the one at the top.
• Caps Lock: switches the capital letter lock on and off. When it is on, the letter keys type capitals only.
• Tab: moves the cursor to the next tab position and inserts indentation in a document.

What are the editing keys and what do they do?

The editing keys are Backspace, Delete and Insert, and they are used to correct text.

Backspace

• Moves the cursor one position to the left.
• Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.

Delete

• Deletes the character at the cursor position, which is the one to the right of the cursor.
• Does not move the cursor to the left.

Insert

• Switches between insert mode and overwrite mode during data entry.
• Insert mode: new text pushes the existing text to the right.
• Overwrite mode: new text replaces the existing text.

What is the difference between Backspace and Delete?

What are the command keys and what do they do?

The command keys are the function keys, Ctrl, Alt and Esc, and they are used to give instructions to the computer.

• Function keys: there are twelve keys, F1 to F12, along the top of the keyboard.
• Use of function keys: their tasks differ from one software package to another, and users can often assign their own tasks.
• Ctrl: the control key is pressed together with other keys to add extra functions.
• Ctrl examples: Ctrl + C copies, Ctrl + V pastes, Ctrl + S saves and Ctrl + Z undoes.
• Alt: the alternate key is always used in combination with other keys to perform specific tasks.
• Alt example: Alt + Tab switches between open windows in Windows.
• Esc: the escape key is used to cancel a command or close a menu or dialogue box.

What is the numeric keypad?

The numeric keypad is the block of number keys on the right side of the keyboard, used for quick entry of numbers.

• Keys on it: the numbers 0 to 9 and the operators +, -, * (multiply) and / (divide).
• Other keys on it: a decimal point and an Enter key.
• Num Lock: switches the keypad between typing numbers and moving the cursor.
• Who uses it: cashiers, bank clerks and accountants who enter many figures.

What are the cursor movement keys?

The cursor movement keys are the four arrow keys that move the cursor in the direction the arrow points.

• Up arrow: moves the cursor up one line.
• Down arrow: moves the cursor down one line.
• Left arrow: moves the cursor one character to the left.
• Right arrow: moves the cursor one character to the right.

What is a good typing posture?

A good typing posture is a way of sitting and holding the hands that lets a typist work without strain or tiredness.

• Back: sit upright and keep the back straight against the chair.
• Feet: keep both feet flat on the floor.
• Arms: bend the elbows at about a right angle, close to the body.
• Wrists: keep them straight and do not rest them hard on the desk.
• Eyes: keep the screen at eye level, an arm’s length away.
• Fingers: rest them lightly on the home row keys (A S D F and J K L ;).

Evaluation

1. List seven parts of a keyboard.
2. State the use of the Spacebar and the Enter key.
3. State two differences between Backspace and Delete.
4. Name the keys found on the numeric keypad.
5. State five rules of a good typing posture.

Assignment

1. Draw a simple keyboard layout and label the function keys, alpha-numeric keypad, cursor movement keys and numeric keypad. State the use of the Alt key and the Esc key.