Alphanumeric Keys JSS3 Business Studies Lesson Note

Alphanumeric keys; are used for typing letters numbers and notation into the computer. The various keys in the alphanumeric keys are; 

1) Letter keys: the letter keys A to Z work like the typewriter. When the lower keys are pressed alone the. The lowercase type appears on the screen. When the keys are pressed while holding down the shift key, the upper case letters are produced. 

2) Space bar; the space bar key adds a blank space b/w characters and it is the longest key on the keyboard. 

3) Number keys; the number keys 0 to 9 work like this on the typewriter. When any of the keys are pressed the numbers appear on the screen. When you hold down the shift key and press the number the upper symbol on the keys appears. 

4) Symbol keys/ notation keys; the symbol key has two symbols the lower symbol is produced when the key is pressed alone while the key is pressed while holding down the shift key examples of the symbol keys are #, &, %, (), etc. 

5) CAP lock keys: it is used in combination with another key to type an upper-case letter. There are two shift keys on the keyboard. 

6) Enter key; it shows the end of the entry line. 

7) Backspace key; it moves the cursor one backward on the screen each time it is pressed. 

8) Tab key: it causes the cursor on the screen to move a set of spaces. 

Soft touch manipulation 

After placing the fingers on the home key the fingers should move softly to touch/strike any of the alphanumeric keys and manipulate the document to type. The soft touch is very important to avoid key jams. 

Correct finger placement on the basic service keys on the computer keyboard. Your left-hand fingers should be placed over the A, S, D, and F keys while your right-hand fingers should be placed over the J, K, L, and; keys. These keys are considered the home row keys. Your thumbs should either be in the air or very lightly touching the space bar key.