The KeyBoard

Many people use a keyboard aas one of their input device . A keyboard is a n input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer

Desktop computer keyboards typically have from 101 to 105 keys. Key board for smaller computer such as notebook computers contain fewer keys . All computer keyboards have a typing aarea that includes the letters of the alphabet, numbers , punctuation marks, and other basic keys . many desktop computer key boards also have a numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard. A keyboard also contains other keys that allow users to enter ata and instructions into the computer. Read ETHICS& issues for a ralted discussion.

Most of todays desktop computer keyboards are enhanced keyboards . An enhanced keyboard has  twelve or more function keys along the top; it also has two ctrl keys, two alt keys, and a set of arrow and additional keys between typing area and the numeric keypad. Funcation keys, which are labeled with the letter F followed by a number, are special keys programmed to issue commands to a computer.

The commmand associated with a function key may vary, depending on the program with which you are interacting. For example F3 kay may isssue one command to an operating system and an entirely different command to a word processing program . To issue commands, users often can press a funcation key in combinationwith ither special keys (shift, ctrl, alt , and other).

Nearlly all keyboards have toggle keys. A toggle key is a key that switches between two states each time a user presses that key. When you press the NUM LOCK key, for example , it lock the mumeric keypad so that you can use the keypad to type numbers. When you press the NUM LOCK kay again , the nueric keypad unlocks so that the same keys can serve to move the insertion point. Many  keyboards have status light that light up when you activate a toggle key.

Keyboards also often have a window key (S) and an applictation key . when pressed, the windows key display the windows start menu, ans the application key displays an items shortcut menu.

Keyboards contain keys that allow you to position the insertion point , also known as a cursor in some programs . the isertion point is aa symbol on the screen , usually a blinking vertical bar, that indicates where the next character you type  will be displayed  . user s can move the insertion point left, right  up, or down by pressing the arrow keys and other keys on the keyboard .

Keyboards th media control buttons allow you to control you media player program , access the computers cd/dvd drive,and adjust speaker volume. Internet control buttons allow you to open an email program , start a web browser, and  search the internet. Some keyboards have usb ports so that you can plug a USB device directly in the keyboard instead of in the system unit. Some keyboards include a finger print reader and /or smart card reader , each of which is discussed in a later section.

A gaming keyboard is a keyboard designed specifically for users who enjoy playing games on the computer. Gaming keyboards typically include proggrammable keys so that gamers can customize the keyboard to the game being played. The keys on gaming keyboards light up so that the keys are visible in all lighting  conditions. Some have small displays that show important game statistics, such as time or targets remaining.

Desktop computer keyboards often aatch via a cable to a serial port, a keyboard port, or a usb port on the system unit . some keyboards, however, do  not have any wires connecting the keyboard to the system unit a wirless keyboard. Or cordless keyboard , is a battry –powered device that transmits data  using wireless technology, such as radio waves or infrared light waves. Wireless keyboards often communicate with a receiver attached to a port on the system unit. The port type varies depending on the type of wireless technology . for example  a bluetooth enabled keyboard communicates via radio waves with a blutooth receiver that typically plugs in a usb port.

On note book computers and some handheld computers,smartphone,and other mobile devices the keyboard is built in the top of the system unit. To fit in these mobile computers and devices, the keyboards usually are smaller and have fewer keys. A typical notebook computer keyboard usually has only about 85 keys. To provide all of functionality ity of a desktop computer keyboard , manufacturers design many of the keys to serve two or three purposes.

Smart phone keypads often conyain fewer keys than there are letters in the alphabet. For this reason , each key on the keypad represents multiple characters, which are identified on the key . that is the 2 key on the phones keypad displays the letters a, b  and c on the keys face. On many phones , you cycle through  the number, letters, and other symbols dispalyed on a particular key by pressing a key on the keypad multiple times . for example , to types the word,hi,on aphone keypad, you would press the 4 keys twice,pause momentar 4 key three times . other phones use predictive text input , where you press one key on the keypad for each letter  in a word you want . Predictive text input saves users time when entering text using the phones keypad.