Where are the keys on my keyboard    More Computer Basics

This is a basic layout for a keyboard, however there are some keyboards that are different. Some keyboards do not have a WIN KEY which is the key with the pretty colors below.

You could also have a multimedia keyboard that has more keys on it like search, email, home, back, forward, and more. Generally the most popular keyboard stick to the same standards and try to put the keys in the same area.

However a laptop may not permit too many keys on the keypad because of a space issue.

Basics Keys on a keyboard

SPACE BAR Is the largest key on the bottom row. Primarily used for creating a space between letters or words.

SHIFT KEY Is located on both the left and right side of the keyboard. When this key is held down you make letters into capitals and can access upper characters. (Like the @ located above number 2 or the $ sign located above number 4.) Give it a try.

 

CAPS LOCK This key basically locks the shift key on, so everything typed will be in capitals or the upper characters. Press it again to unlock. TAB KEY Is used to go to the next tab spot. Like on the old fashioned typewriter. ENTER KEY When you select a button you can press enter or double click the mouse. It usually causes something to operate. In a Word document it acts like a return key taking you to the next line. BACKSPACE KEY Pressing this will remove the last letter you typed or when browsing the internet it will take you to the previously viewed page. ALT KEY  (Alternate) This key is a modifier and changes the function of other keys. For example if you press ALT and F key it drops down the file menu of the current program. CTRL KEY Stands for control button. Found on both sides, bottom left and right, of the keyboard. Another modifier used to perform special functions such as copying selected text (Ctrl-C). WINDOWS KEY This key brings up the start menu. Try it. If you press the win key and D it shows the desktop. This picture shows the win key in between the CTRL and the ALT keys. This is a picture of a Microsoft multimedia keyboard and as you can see it definitely has extra buttons and keys. This keyboard can adjust your volume on your computer, open your email, take screen shots of your computer screen, open the internet, and more.. Below is a picture of a laptop keyboard which only has one WIN KEY instead of two on a normal keyboard. See More Computer Basics

About the Author

Mitz wrote this article and others for tips4pc.com  Browse for more articles that are written in an easy to understand way. Also see our very popular Video Tutorials page. Watching a video is a very easy way to learn about computers.

I hope you've found this tutorial clear and easy to understand. If you have more questions, feel free to visit our FORUM and we'll be happy to help.

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