What is a Computer Keyboard?

The keyboard is still the primary device for inputting information to a computer, though voice input devices may ultimately supersede it. It operates by converting key presses to electronic signals in binary digital form. The typical computer keyboard has the standard character keys found on a typewriter together with a number of special keys described below:

• Function keys, up to 12 in numbers, positioned above the character keys, which can be programmed by the user or by the software being run, so that a single key depression sends a command or string of commands to the computer.
• The CTRL and ALT keys (short for Control and Alternate), which are always used in conjunction with other keys to issue commands to the computer.
• The Backspace key, which delete the character to the immediate left of the cursor on the screen.
• The four arrow keys, which move the cursor one character position in the direction of the arrow.
• The PageUp and PageDown keys, which are normally programmed to move the cursor one page up or down.
• The Home key, which may be programmed to move the cursor to the left of the screen or the beginning of the document.
• The End key, which may be programmed to move the cursor to the right of the screen or the end of the document.
• The Esc key, which is often programmed to enable you to escape from your currently selected option or task.