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

A computer keyboard is 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. This note lists the main parts of the keyboard and explains what each one is used for.

Behavioural objectives

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

• name the main parts of a computer keyboard;
• state the use of the function keys, Enter, Spacebar, Backspace, Delete and Insert keys;
• state the use of the Shift, Caps lock, Tab, Ctrl, Alt and Esc keys;
• describe the numeric keypad and the cursor movement keys and say what they are used for.

What are the parts of a computer keyboard and their uses?

1. Alpha-numeric keypad: It has keys for the English alphabet, the numbers 0 to 9 and special characters such as +, -, /, x and ().
2. Function keys: There are twelve (12) function keys, labelled F1, F2, F3 up to F12. The functions assigned to these keys differ from one software package to another. They are also user-programmable keys.
3. Enter: It is similar to the return key of the typewriter and is used to execute a command or program.
4. Spacebar: It is used to enter a space at the current cursor location.
5. Backspace: It is used to move the cursor one position to the left and also to delete the character in that position.
6. Delete: It is used to delete the character at the cursor position.
7. Insert: It is used to switch between insert and overwrite modes during data entry.
8. Shift: It is used to type capital letters when pressed along with an alphabet key. It is also used to type the special character shown at the top of a key that has two characters on it.
9. Caps lock: It is used to switch the capital letter lock on and off. When it is on, the alphabet keys type capital letters only.
10. Tab: It is used to move the cursor to the next tab position defined in the document. It is also used to insert indentations into a document.
11. Ctrl: The control key is used together with other keys to add extra functions to the keyboard.
12. Alt: This key is always used in combination with other keys to perform specific tasks.
13. Esc: It is used to cancel a command. It is also used to cancel programs that are running.
14. Numeric keypad: It is located on the right side of the keyboard and has the numbers 0 to 9 and the mathematical operators +, -, /, x and (). It is provided for quick entry of numeric data.
15. Cursor movement keys: These are the arrow keys. They are used to move the cursor in the direction the arrow points (up, down, left or right).

Evaluation

1. List seven parts of a keyboard.
2. State five good postures of a typist.

Assignment

1. What is a keyboard?
2. What is a typewriter?
3. Describe a computer keyboard.
4. What is the correct sitting position of a typist?
5. What is the use of the Alt key?