DIFFERENT TYPES OF KEYBOARD Archives

Definition of the Keyboard The keyboard is an input device that is used to send data into the computer. Its cable must be connected to a port of the system unit before it can operate. It is similar to an ordinary typewriter keyboard. The keyboard is used mainly to enter alphabets from A – Z, numeric digits 0 – 9 and special signs and punctuation marks such as ( ), +, %, !etc. This device converts numbers, letters, and special characters that people understand into electrical signals. These signals are sent to and processed by the CPU. It is the most important input device. TYPES OF KEYBOARD There are two types of keyboard. These are: Standard keyboard Enhanced keyboard STANDARD KEYBOARD This is a keyboard that has between 84 – 89 keys. It has 10 function keys and 4 arrow keys. ENHANCED KEYBOARD This keyboard has between 101 – 104 keys. It has 12 function keys and 8 arrow keys. DIFFERENT TYPES OF KEYBOARD Multimedia keyboard. Programming keyboard. Cordless keyboard. SECTIONS OF THE KEYBOARD The keyboard is divided into sections namely: (i) The numeric keys (ii) The alphabetic keys (iii) Function keys (iv) Arrow keys (v) Special keys THE NUMERIC KEYS This is used for fast entering of numeric data. It is located on the right side of the keyboard and contains numbers 0-9. The numeric key is active when Num Lock Key is on. ALPHABETIC KEYS These are keys with letters A-Z. The alphabetic keys are 26 in number. FUNCTION KEYS These are the keys labeled F1 – F12 and are essentially used to perform special functions on the computer. They serve different purposes depending on which application is being used. Function keys are used in conjunction with other keys. ARROW KEYS They are navigation keys used to control the cursor either up or down, right or left on the screen. SPECIAL KEYS They are used to perform special functions. They include: (a) Shift key (b) Control key (Ctrl) (c) Alternate key (Alt) (d) Caps lock key (e) Enter key (f) Backspace key (g) Tab key (h) Space bar key which is the longest key on the keyboard (i) Insert key (j) Delete key, etc. CONCLUSION The keyboard is an input device used to send data into the computer. We have learnt that there are two types of keyboard which are Standard Keyboard and Enhanced Keyboard. There are also five sections on the keyboard which are: Numeric keys, Alphabetic keys, Function keys, Arrow keys and Special keys. EVALUATION 1a. What is a keyboard? 1b. List the TWO types of keyboard. 2a. Mention any THREE sections of the keyboard. 2b. List any FIVE special keys on the keyboard. WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVE ………… keyboard has 10 function keys. (a) Standard (b) Enhanced (c) Windows (d) All of the Above The function keys are labelled………. on the keyboard. (a) Function (b) F1 – F12 (c) 0 – 9 (d) F1 – F15 The keys with A – Z on the keyboard are called ………… (a) Numeric keys (b) Alphabet keys (c) Arrow keys (d) Page ………… is the longest key on the keyboard. (a) Space bar key (b) Delete key (c) Enter key (d) Shift Key ……….. keys are used to control the cursor. (a) Arrow (b) Function (c) Alphabet (d) Symbol THEORY 1a. What is a keyboard? 1b, Write short notes on: (a)Standard keyboard(b) Enhanced keyboard 2a. Mention any TWO sections of the keyboard. 2b. List any THREE special keys on the keyboard See also FEATURES OF A COMPUTER COMPUTER PROCESSING MODES DATA PROCESSING WORD PROCESSING PACKAGES WORD PROCESSING

THE KEYBOARD AND TYPES OF KEYBOARD