Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

Keyboard Basics
Although a computer keyboard is based on the old typewriter layout, there are some major differences in
the ways that keys are used. Computer keyboards also have additional keys. Learning to use the unique
keys and special functions of the computer keyboard can save you time and make you more comfortable
with your computer.

Function Keys (Fkeys)

Most computer keyboards have a row of Function keys at the top of the keyboard. These keys are marked
F1 through F10 or F12. While they were widely used with older DOS programs, they are not as popular
today. However many programs, including most of Microsoft's products, support use of the function
keys. As a throwback to DOS days, you will find that the F1 key will often bring up a help menu. The
function keys are frequently used in combination with other keys such as the CTRL key, the ALT key,
and the Shift key. This results in a plethora of possible keyboard shortcuts. Look in the help menu of the
program that you are using to find a list of the function keys and their uses.

Return or Enter Key

This key is usually marked Return or Enter, but sometimes it labelled with only a large arrow. This key is
used to enter commands or to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. Also, in every dialog box
or alert on both the PC and the Mac, there is a default button or box, which is recognizable by its bold or
segmented outline. Pressing the Enter key will select that choice. (There is sometimes a second Enter key
on the numeric keypad. This functions exactly like the larger Enter key near the alphabet letters.)

Escape Key
The Escape key, which is marked ESC on most keyboards, is basically used to exit or escape from
programs and tasks. In many cases, it will have no effect at all. However, it can sometimes get you out of
trouble by making the computer go back or escape to a previous screen.

Control Key (CTRL)

The Ctrl key is used in conjunction with another key. Holding it down while pressing another key will
initiate a certain action. Ctrl key combinations are defined by the application that is being used. Some,
however, have become a standard that most programs follow. For instance in most Windows programs,
Ctrl+S will save the current file or document, and Ctrl+P will print the current file or document.
Macintosh keyboards have a Control key that is used only sparingly in Mac programs. It is included on
the Mac keyboard basically for users who may run Windows and DOS-based programs on their Macs.
TIP: In most computer documentation, a plus sign (+) means keys are held down together, i.e. Ctrl+F
means pressing the Control key and the F key at the same time.

Alternate Key (ALT)

Like the Control Key, the Alt key is used in combination with other keys. In most Windows programs,
each of the menu choices at the top of the screen has one letter underlined. Holding down the Alt key
while pressing the key corresponding to the underlined letter will open the menu just as though you had
clicked your mouse on that menu choice. For instance, if the menu shows the choice File, you can open
that menu by clicking the mouse on the word File or by pressing the Alt key and the F key
simultaneously.

Command Key (Mac only)

The Command Key is also called the Apple key.
It will have either the cloverleaf symbol,
the Apple symbol, or both. This key is, more or less,
the equivalent of the PC user's Control Key. Again,
certain key combinations are fairly universally accepted.
For instance, Command-Q will quit a program,
Command-W will close the current window, and Command-S will save the current file or document.
Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

Option Key (Mac only)

The Option Key is the
Mac equivalent to the PC Alternate (Alt) key.

Caps Lock
The Caps Lock key is a toggle key. Pressing it once turns it on. Pressing it again turns it off. Some
computer keyboards have a light or indicator that shows when the Caps Lock is on and when it is off.
When Caps Lock is on, every letter that is typed will be a capital letter. Unlike a typewriter, the Caps
Lock key on a computer keyboard affects only letters. It has no effect on the number or symbol keys.

Num Lock & Numeric Keypad

Many, but not all, computer keyboards have a numeric keypad usually located on the right side of the
keyboard. This keypad has a group of number keys with additional markings like arrows, PgDn, End, etc.
The numeric pad is controlled by a toggle key marked Num Lock. When the Num Lock key is on, this
pad can be used to enter numbers. When the Num Lock key is off, the functions listed below the number
will be activated. These functions usually include arrow keys that can be used to move the cursor around
the screen. Likewise the keys marked PgUp and Pg Down will move the cursor a page up or down on the
screen. The Home and End keys will move the cursor to the beginning or end of a line or document,
respectively.
Numeric keypads often include other keys as well. Many include useful symbols such as the period,
slash, and plus and minus signs. The Macintosh keyboard includes a Clear key that can be used in many
programs to clear or undo the last number that you typed. You may also find a helpful Help key on a
Macintosh numeric keypad.

Windows Key
The Windows key can be found on some,
but not all, keyboards that are used with
Windows computers. The Windows key is marked
with a small Microsoft Windows symbol and is usually
found on the bottom row of the keyboard. There may
be two Windows keys, one on each side of the space bar.
Pressing the Windows key will bring up the Start menu.
The Window key can also be used in combination with other keys for some very useful shortcuts. One of
my favorites is to use the Windows key +D to minimize all the open windows and quickly return to the
Windows desktop. Pressing Windows +D again will restore all windows to their previous location.

Application Key
If you have a Windows key on your keyboard, you will also see a key
with a design that looks like a list of words on a piece of paper,
usually to the right of the space bar. This is called the application key.
It is a shortcut for right clicking. It will display an item's shortcut menu.

Space Bar
The Spacebar is used to insert a blank space. It some programs it
can also be used to choose a highlighted item.

Backspace Key
Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

The Backspace key will remove the character to the left of the cursor. The key is sometimes labeled with
only a left-pointing arrow.

Shift Key
The Shift key in combination with an alphabetical key will type an upper case letter. The Shift key in
combination with one of the number keys on the row above the letter keys or one of the symbol keys will
type the symbol that is pictured on the upper part of the key. The Shift key can also be used in
conjunction with other keys as a shortcut to a task or can be pressed at a certain time to perform a task.
For instance, holding down the Shift key while inserting a CD-ROM will skip the auto-run process,
allowing you to insert the CD without having it play automatically.

Insert Key (Ins)

The Insert key is found only on PC keyboards. It is a toggle key that determines what happens when you
type new characters within an existing line of text or numbers. When the Insert key is on, the new text
that you type is inserted at the cursor location and the text already in place is moved to the right. When
the Insert key is off, new text overwrites the text that is on the screen to the right of the cursor. There is
usually no visual indication of whether the Insert key is on or off.

Tab
The Tab key is used to move from field to field and is very useful when filling out forms. Pressing the
Shift key and the Tab key simultaneously will usually tab you back to the previous field.

Delete Key (Del)

Whereas the Backspace key will remove the character to the left of the cursor, the Delete key will remove
the key to the right of the cursor. The Delete key can also be used in Windows to remove a highlighted or
chosen file or shortcut.

Print Screen (PrtScrn)

In the old DOS days, the Print Screen key on a PC keyboard performed just as you would expect. When
the Print Screen key was pressed, a paper copy of whatever was on the screen was printed. Unfortunately
in Windows the Print Screen key sends an image of the screen to the Windows Clipboard instead of the
printer. In order to actually print the screen image, you must then paste that image in the Clipboard into a
program, like a paint program, and print the screen from that program. (On some keyboards you have to
hold down the Shift key while pressing the Print Screen key.)

Pause/Break
This key was previously used in programming and debugging applications. In most current programs, it
is non-functioning.

Scroll Lock
Scroll Lock is a toggle key that changes the effect of the cursor movement keys. In most current
programs the Scroll Lock key is disabled and pressing it has no effect. In programs that support this key,
when the Scroll Lock key is on, pressing the arrow keys makes the display appear to scroll while the
cursor stays in its original position. When the Scroll Lock key is off, the cursor moves as far as it can
before the display starts scrolling.

Valuable Keyboard Skills

The keyboard is the primary text input device of your computer. Learning to master its use should be one
of your first projects. There seems to be a lot to learn about the computer's keyboard, even if you were
proficient on the earlier manual or electronic typewriter keyboards. The time (and practice) that you
invest in mastering computer keyboard skills will be well worth your effort. Learning to use the unique
keys and mastering the special functions of the computer keyboard can save you a lot of time.
Developing keyboard skills is certain to add to your sense of accomplishment in using the computer.
Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

Spend some time to make close friends with keys such as CTRL, ALT, Windows, TAB, and Shift. You'll
be glad you did.

Types of Keyboards
By Sandy Berger
Computers, the actual processors, are more likely to become outdated than to actually wear out. But there
are parts of a computer that are more susceptible to wear and tear. Understandably, these are the parts that
receive the most use – the parts that you pound on each day. Yes, your keyboard is likely to wear out
long before the rest of your computer system. I can certainly attest to this, as I have worn out three
keyboards in the last three years.

A keyboard can be a trusty companion that takes much abuse from relentlessly pounding fingers. The six
rows of keys that have become the standard input device in the computing world are today’s primary
means of communicating with a computer.

The keyboard is an old friend to many of us who spent endless hours in front of a typewriter, both the old
manual and the electric typewriter. Today’s typewriter descendent, the keyboard, has a typewriter-like set
of keys that enable you to enter information into the computer. The layout of computer keyboards is
similar to the typewriter layout, but computer keyboards have extra keys like function keys labeled F1,
F2, etc., arrow keys, Caps Lock keys, and keys marked Ctrl, Alt, Delete, Insert, Home, End, etc. Some of
these keys are meant to be used in conjunction with other keys just like shift on a regular typewriter.
Other keys like Insert, Delete, Home, End, Help, and function keys are meant to be used independently
and often perform editing tasks. The world of computers and technology has even taken over the word
“typing” and co-mingled it with “keyboarding.” Today keyboarding is an accepted term to replace the
word typing, all because of the popularity of computing which depends on its indispensable keyboard for
computer input. (For help with keyboarding, see my How To on Keyboard Basics.)

QWERTY Layout
The static keyboard has a lot of history and a lot more variety than most people realize. The standard
layout of letters, numbers, and punctuation marks on the keyboard is called the QWERTY layout because
the first six letters on the top row of alphabetic keys spell the “word” QWERTY. It is said that this layout
was developed in the 1800’s to slow down the original touch typists who typed too quickly and jammed
the old-fashioned typewriter keys. Another keyboard layout called the Dvorak keyboard is also available.
This layout has the letters positioned for speed typing. Although the Dvorak keyboard may have been
designed for speed, it has never caught on, and the QWERTY layout continues to be the most popular.

What a Variety
The original PC keyboard had eighty-four keys. An enhanced keyboard was subsequently introduced that
has 101 keys. This keyboard is now most commonly used; however, some keyboards have even more
keys. The variety of keyboards is almost staggering. Keyboards will often look slightly different and have
a somewhat different collection of keys. Some keyboards even have independent shift lock and caps lock
keys. Some have hot keys to help you access the Internet, e-mail, and often-used programs. Some even
have buttons that can put your computer to sleep on command.

No one has to stick with the standard keyboard that comes with the computer. There are many options to
consider. Your choice of keyboard is a very personal matter. Computer users should research the many
different products offered. Only you can decide which kind of keyboard is most comfortable for you.
Shop around for the keyboard that "feels" best. The touch is all-important. Some have a louder "click"
than others; others offer a non-click approach.. Shopping around for a keyboard with the right feel does
not mean that you can’t order a keyboard over the Internet. Just be sure that you order from a company
like Kinesis who gives a sixty-day money back guarantee.
Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

Ergonomically Designed
Ergonomically designed keyboards often have unusually sculpted or contoured shapes and a space age
look. These keyboards are designed to help avoid repetitive stress injury to the wrists. Some of these
keyboards come with foot pedals to spread the work to other limbs. Some keyboards are designed to take
advantage of the strength in the thumbs. Ergonomically designed keyboards often have a "split" keyboard
design, looking like the keyboard is broken in two. Many of these keyboards can slide apart or tilt at
angles. The advantage is that by accommodating the natural position of the hands, the ergonomic
keyboard can alleviate and/or prevent stress injuries caused by repetitive key strokes on the standard
keyboard. Anyone who uses the computer a lot and/or has any hand and wrist strain will benefit from an
ergonomic keyboard. Simple ergonomic keyboards can be found costing not much more than a standard
keyboard. More intricate keyboards like the Kinesis Contoured Keyboard come with foot pedals,
memory to store macros to eliminate repetitive keystrokes, and special software can easily run into
hundreds of dollars.

Other keyboards come with extra large keys to help users with sight or hand coordination problems.
The Big Keys LX keyboard is made for adult computer users and has a special assist mode for
keyboarders who find it difficult to press multiple keys at the same time. This keyboard also has a switch
on the back to change the keyboard from QWERTRY style to a plain ABC style for those who find it
easier to hunt and peck alphabetically.

Wireless keyboards can offer freedom from being tethered to the computer. The Logitech iTouch
wireless keyboard and mouse have been around for several years and work quite well. Newer wireless
keyboards by Microsoft and others have recently flooded the market. Most of these work on radio waves.
In keyboards, if you shop around, you will find that there really is something for everyone. So if that day
comes when your J key or F key lose their responsiveness or the Caps Lock sticks, offer a well deserved
thank you to the poor old worn out keyboard and log on to the Internet to check out what the latest in
keyboards has to offer you.

Mouse Basics
Your first computer friend was probably your mouse. After the keyboard, the mouse is the input device
most commonly used with computers today. It seems to take only a short time before your mouse fits
comfortably in your hand as you partner up with it to control the on-screen cursor. Sometimes it’s a
challenge controlling that blinking line or arrow that shows you where your next on-screen entry will be.
But the mouse does its job and tracks the cursor’s position on the screen as you move your rolling rodent
around the mouse pad or your desk.

Your mouse gives you the ability to point to, select, and move items on the computer screen. Not only
does your mouse tell you where you are on the screen, but it also tells you what's happening. Look
closely at the cursor on the screen while you're moving the mouse around; it's not always an arrow. It
often changes shape and size to indicate what you may do when the cursor is in that location.

Why Call It a Mouse

Many people seem to be curious how the mouse got its name. In the early 1960’s, Douglas Engelbart was
fascinated with a theory he called “human augmentation technology,” an idea that the computer should be
used to enhance human performance. Up to that time, computers were useful only to military and
scientific communities. In 1968, Engelbart made an input device to help people interact with the
computer. The original mouse was a small rectangular wooden box with a cable running to the computer.
Since the cord looked like a tail and mice are known for scurrying along a surface, this new device
quickly became known as a mouse. The mouse turned out to be one of Englebart’s most ingenious ideas.
Yet, Englebart’s original ideas were rejected, only to be resurrected later by others who took both the
credit and the financial reward. The mouse that we use today has changed little since 1968. Because it
frees the user from having to exclusively use the keyboard, the mouse is recognized as one of the great
breakthroughs in computing.
Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

Varieties of Mice
Typically, your mouse friend will be a flat-bottomed device with a button (or two or three) on the top and
a rollerball on the bottom. Mice come in three basic types: mechanical, optomechanical, and optical. The
basic design is the mechanical mouse with a rubber or plastic ball on its underside that rolls in all
directions. The cursor on the screen is moved as the mechanical sensors within the mouse detect the
rolling ball’s direction. The optomechanical mouse uses optical sensors to detect the motion of the ball.
The fully optical mouse uses lasers to detect the mouse's movement. In optical mice, the optical
positioning mechanism that is used instead of the ball has a red glow, which gives the mouse a subtle
high tech look. From the user’s point of view, optical mice work just like a standard mouse with a track
ball on the bottom. However, optical mice are more precise. In addition, they do not need cleaning and
can be used without a mouse pad. The only drawback to optical mice is that they will not work on an
extremely shiny surface, like glass or mirrors.

Another design breakthrough in mice is the cordless mouse, which no longer has to be physically
connected to the computer. Wireless mice have become quite popular. Two different technologies are
used. Some mice operate by an infrared-port, where the mouse must have a clear line of sight to the
computer, much like a television remote control. Other mice use radio frequencies for their wireless
technology, which allow the mice to roam farther from the computer. Radio frequency mice can transmit
to the computer in spite of the pile of papers found on a cluttered desktop. Both optical and cordless mice
are more expensive than other mice, but many find them a worthy investment.

Extra Mice Features

Mice contain at least one button and sometimes as many as three, which can be programmed for different
functions. A popular type of mouse has a wheel between two of the buttons that takes the effort out of
scrolling through long documents. This wheel makes general computing and Web browsing much easier.
The wheel can be used to scroll up and down a page without using the on-screen scroll bars. The wheel
can also be used in conjunction with the CTRL key to instantly increase or decrease the size of the text.

Besides wheel mice, other mice have special features. Just like the wheel, additional buttons on the side
of the mouse can be used for faster navigation in certain programs. These extras are not needed for
ordinary mouse movements. You may, however, want to investigate these features after you master the
mouse basics because they can be valuable conveniences. The additional buttons are usually
programmable, so you can decide what function they will fulfill. The most popular use for these extra
buttons is to make them work like the Back and Forward buttons on the toolbar of a Web browsing
program.

Customization
Most mice, even simple two-button mice, can be customized. Just double-click the Mouse icon in the
Control Panel (Click Start, then choose Control Panel or choose Settings, then Control Panel). When the
mouse window appears, you will find that you can change the tracking and double-click speed; you can
even turn your mouse into a “lefty.” These customizations might seem minor, but they can add enormous
functionality and comfort as well as enhance productivity for just about any computer user.

Let Me Hold Your Hand

There seems to be a real feeling of comfort when someone takes you by the hand. This feeling is
especially strong in the computing world. The tactile contact you have with your mouse is comforting as
the mouse draws you into the computing process. “Let Me Hold Your Hand” is a theme song Douglas
Engelbart might have picked himself. Without a doubt, this little mouse invention has achieved his goal
of human augmentation technology. Yes, Mr. Mouse stands ready to hold your hand as you interact with
the computing world.

Optical Mouse
Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

by Sandy Berger...
A breakup is underway between the mouse and its sidekick, the mouse pad. Belkin encourages you to
grab their new Optical"! Mouse F8E850-OPT in one hand and throw out your mouse pad with the other.
Thanks to the technology of digital-optical scanning, a mouse pad is no longer necessary. All you need is
this slightly oversized, sleek looking silver and dark gray mouse from Belkin. That red glow coming
from the bottom is a clue that this is one of those new fangled optical mice. Acting much like a mini-
camera built right into the mouse, the optical sensor takes 1,500 snapshots every second. The brain of the
mouse or, more technically, its digital signal processor analyzes those images and translates them into
movement. Belkin credits the optical sensor of the B-F8E850-OPT for its precise input and razor-sharp
control.

Progress normally brags about benefits; benefits of Belkin's Optical"! Mouse are a completely sealed case
with no moving parts. The optical sensor technology results in a clean and dust free mouse. No moving
parts touch the work surface. Besides having fewer parts to wear out, there are fewer parts to clean - only
the case. Goodbye to disassembling your mouse to clean the ball. As a matter of a fact, there will be very
little cleaning needed for this Belkin rodent unless you like to munch oily chips and browse at the same
time. Belkin's mouse will scoot over almost any surface including your thigh, the wall, or a tabletop.
There are only a few surfaces to avoid - glass, mirrors, and other highly reflective materials.

Belkin is not the first padless mouse on the market; Microsoft beat them on the street with their optical
Intellimouse. Belkin's mouse, like its Microsoft brethren, provides scrolling and zoom control, multiple
browsing speeds, five buttons, and a scroll wheel. The auto-scroll wheel between the two mouse buttons
allows you to scroll up and down the page. In many applications, the scroll wheel allows you to zoom in
and out. For you active Web surfers who have not treated yourself to a scroll wheel mouse, this feature is
the answer to prayers. A scroll wheel is one of those truly useful little devices that make your computing
life easier.

Belkin's mouse can be customized to your specifications. Three of the five buttons can be configured to
perform a variety of tasks such as back, forward, printing and/or saving. For those of you who have
trouble double-clicking, these buttons can be programmed to perform this task as well. You can adjust
the double-click speed from slow to fast, change the settings for wheel direction and scroll speed as well
as make adjustments to the settings for zoom control. Multiple browsing speeds are a great feature. This
mouse offers right-handed and left-handed choices. The design of the mouse is symmetrical so southpaws
will find this mouse as easy to use as us more numerous right-handers.

Belkin has all the connection bases covered by accommodating either the traditional PS/2 mouse port
(round connector) or a USB port. This mouse comes with a true Plug and Play connectivity via the USB
interface.

Belkin's Optical"! Mouse has tracking abilities much superior to an ordinary mouse. You might not
notice much difference when working with e-mail or word-processing, but wait until you use a drawing
program or a game where you need the mouse to choose specific detailed areas. You will see why Belkin
brags about precision input.

Go to the catalogue section of the Belkin Web site and click on the B-F8E850-OPT picture to see an
actual size picture of the mouse. Don't feel shy; put your hand on the screen to see the relationship of the
mouse to your hand. Mouse preferences are very personal. It is almost like having to have the steering
wheel in your hand. Personally, I found Belkin's mouse fit my hand better because it is a little larger. It
took a little time to get accustomed to using the left side button for double clicking, but I found the extra
buttons to be a very nice touch. This ball-less mouse is well constructed and even comes with a limited
lifetime warranty.
Nchimunya Edited Notes Understanding Computers – 1 (2021)

The projected street price for the Belkin Optical"! Mouse is $39.99 online. If you are aiming to make
your computing life a little easier and/or to add a truly useful high-tech toy, for less than $40.00, this
mouse is good value. Just think of all the money you will save on mouse pads!