How to use the keyboard on the computer

Most PC users already know how to properly use a computer keyboard. However, some are just beginning to get acquainted with her, and need guidance on its use. It should be noted that even experienced users do not always know the meaning of all keys, so this article will also be useful for this category.

The main groups of keys and their purpose

The main function of the keyboard is data entry. Therefore, most of it is occupied by alphabetic and numeric elements. But with the keyboard you can also perform many commands, which greatly simplifies the use of PCs. Therefore, for correct use of the keyboard, you need to know the functions of all its keys. There are 4 main groups:

• alphabetic;
• digital;
• governors;
• functional.

Now about each of them in more detail.

Alphabetic

This is the main group. It occupies 3 rows and is located in the center of the keyboard for easy input.

On a note! Those familiar with the typewriter will be easier to use the keyboard, since the arrangement of letters on them is the same.

The letters are not in alphabetical order. This is also made for easy dialing. The central bar contains the most used letters, also those are in the center on the remaining lines (above and below). Next are the letters in descending order of use. So, the solid sign occupies the extreme position on the right above.

Digital

The numeric keys are designed for digital input, respectively. On standard keyboards, they are located in two places:

• above, above the top row of letters;
• from the side, in a separate group.

This is also made for more convenient input. The numeric keypad located on the right is most convenient to use, especially for professions who need frequent dialing of numbers.

On a note! When typing, the upper digital line turns into a line with punctuation marks.

Governors

This is a fairly extensive group that will replace and complement the functionality of the mouse. This includes:

• Enter - enter and select. In text documents, denotes a paragraph. When using Explorer or other applications, means "choice" or "ok."
• Shift - change the case of letters (uppercase / lowercase).
• Ctrl - is used only in combination with other keys, performing many functions.
• Alt - select a command in the application menu. Also used in combination with other keys.
• Caps Lock - provides continuous input of capital letters.
• Tab - fast cursor movement in text documents.
• Esc - cancellation of actions, exit from the program, from full-screen mode.
• PrtSc - makes a screenshot of the screen (transfers data from the screen to the clipboard as an image).
• Ins - insert / replace mode.
• Del - delete.
• Backspace - return to the previous position, as well as the removal of text information.
• Win (windows icon image) - opens the control panel.
• Spacebar - Untitled Long Key. Provides spaces between characters.

Here is the most concise information about the main elements on the keyboard. If you wish to delve into the details we advise you to explore the shortcuts.

Functional

This group includes the topmost line, which contains elements from F1 to F12. They help to perform multi-tasking functions without using the mouse.

On a note! In different applications, these keys perform different functions.

For the above reason, it is worth going to the “help” section of a specific application, and see the functions of each element of this group.