The Keyboard and its Sections – JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A keyboard is an important part of a computer. It helps you put information into the computer. When you press keys on the keyboard, letters, numbers, and other characters appear on the screen. The keyboard is one of the main ways people talk to computers.

Behavioural objectives

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

• state what a keyboard is used for;
• describe the different types of keyboard;
• name the five main sections of a keyboard and the keys found in each;
• state the use of common keyboard shortcuts;
• list ways of taking care of a keyboard;
• describe good habits for learning to type.

What are the types of keyboard?

There are different kinds of keyboards.

Standard desktop keyboard

• Has about 104 to 108 keys
• Usually connects to the computer with a wire
• Some connect without wires (wireless)
• Often comes with a computer when you buy it

Laptop keyboard

• Built into laptop computers
• Has smaller keys placed closer together
• May have fewer keys than desktop keyboards
• Often has special function keys

Wireless keyboard

• Works without wires
• Uses batteries for power
• Connects to the computer using radio waves or Bluetooth
• Lets you sit farther from the computer

Ergonomic keyboard

• Shaped to help your hands feel comfortable
• Often split in the middle or curved
• Helps prevent hand and wrist pain
• Good for people who type a lot

Virtual keyboard

• A picture of a keyboard shown on a screen, so it has no real keys
• Used on phones, tablets, and some computers
• You tap the screen instead of pressing real keys

What are the main sections of a keyboard?

A standard keyboard has five sections: the alphanumeric section, the function key section, the navigation section, the numeric keypad and the indicator lights.

1. Alphanumeric section (main typing area)

This is the largest part of the keyboard. It contains letter keys, number keys, symbol keys, modifier keys and special keys.

Letter keys

• The 26 letters of the alphabet (A to Z)
• Arranged in the QWERTY pattern (named after the first six letters on the top row)
• Used for typing words

Number keys

• The numbers 0 to 9 across the top of the letter keys
• Used for typing numbers
• Can also type symbols when you hold down the Shift key

Symbol keys

• Keys for punctuation marks like full stop (.), comma (,), and question mark (?)
• Keys for symbols like @ (at), # (hashtag), $ (dollar sign)
• Used to type special characters

Modifier keys

• Shift: Makes capital letters when held down; also types the symbols above the number keys
• Caps Lock: Makes all letters capital until turned off
• Tab: Moves the cursor to the next tab stop or indents text
• Ctrl (Control): Works with other keys to do special commands
• Alt (Alternate): Like Ctrl, works with other keys for commands
• Windows/Command: Opens the start menu or works with other keys

Special keys

• Enter/Return: Starts a new line or submits information
• Backspace: Erases the character to the left of the cursor
• Delete: Erases the character to the right of the cursor
• Spacebar: Makes a space between words (the long key at the bottom)
• Escape (Esc): Cancels an action or exits a program

2. Function key section

At the top of most keyboards, you will find the function keys.

Function keys (F1 to F12)

• Special keys labelled F1, F2, F3, up to F12
• Do different things in different programs
• F1 often opens Help
• Other function keys have different jobs depending on the program

3. Navigation section

This section helps you move around in documents.

Arrow keys

• Four keys with arrows pointing up, down, left, and right
• Move the cursor in the direction of the arrow
• Also used in games to control movement

Navigation keys

• Home: Moves to the beginning of a line or document
• End: Moves to the end of a line or document
• Page Up: Moves up one screen
• Page Down: Moves down one screen
• Insert: Switches between insert mode and overtype mode

4. Numeric keypad

On the right side of many keyboards is a calculator-like section.

Number pad

• Has numbers 0 to 9 arranged like a calculator
• Also has maths symbols (+, -, *, /)
• Makes it easier to enter lots of numbers quickly

Num Lock key

• Turns the number pad on or off
• When off, the keys work as navigation keys instead of numbers
• A light shows when Num Lock is on

5. Indicator lights

Most keyboards have small lights that show the state of certain keys:

• Num Lock: Lights up when the number pad is active
• Caps Lock: Lights up when all letters will be capital
• Scroll Lock: An old feature rarely used today

What special features do some keyboards have?

Many keyboards have extra features.

Media controls

• Keys to play, pause, and skip music or videos
• Volume controls to make sound louder or quieter
• Mute button to turn off sound quickly

Shortcut keys

• Special keys for opening email, web browser, or calculator
• Sleep button to put the computer into sleep mode
• Keys that open specific programs

Backlighting

• Lights under or between the keys
• Helps you type in dark rooms
• Some have different colours or patterns

How do you take care of a keyboard?

To keep your keyboard working well:

• Keep drinks and food away from the keyboard
• Turn the keyboard upside down and shake gently to remove crumbs
• Clean between keys with a small brush or can of compressed air
• Wipe keys with a slightly damp cloth (not wet)
• Do not pull off the keys
• Do not drop the keyboard

What are keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that do things quickly.

How do you learn to type well?

Learning to type well on a keyboard is an important skill. With practice, you can type quickly without looking at the keys.

• Try to use all your fingers, not just two
• Keep your wrists straight and fingers curved
• Practise regularly to get faster
• Use typing programs or games to improve
• Do not look at the keyboard while typing (touch typing)
• Start slowly and focus on accuracy before speed

Evaluation

1. What is a keyboard used for?
2. Why is the letter layout called QWERTY?
3. State the difference between the Backspace key and the Delete key.
4. What does the Num Lock key do?
5. What does Ctrl+S do?

Assignment

1. List the five main sections of a standard keyboard and write two keys found in each section where possible.
2. Describe a virtual keyboard and say where it is used.
3. Write five ways of taking care of a keyboard.