Keyboards

Most of us can figure out what is going on with a keyboard with the basic stuff like letters and numbers and how to use the Shift to get other characters.
There are many variations in keyboards however with extra functions and controls provided.

Be aware too: keyboards are just a bunch of switches. The computer can change the function of every one of those switches so that alternative keyboards can be accommodated. European languages have a very different keyboard to an English Language (USA) even though the same characters are used. Many keys are in different positions and this can make passwords incorrect. Be sure that the keyboard used aligns with the language you are using.

Keyboard Basics

All the character keys are shown as capitals but only will be capitals if the Shift key is held down while typing the character.

The numbers are available at the top of the alphabetic characters OR on the Numeric Keypad.
Take care to have the the Number Lock (Num Lock) key ON or the numbers will not work and be replaced by cursor position.
Num Lock is at the top left hand corner of the numeric keypad.

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The Arrow keys control the movement of the cursor like the mouse but in strict up-down or left right movements.

The function keys; F1 to F12 select functions that may be different in each program or app. These can be pressed directly but on some keyboards there may be extra functions that are accessed by holding another key (in this case the blue FN key) and then pressing the function key desired.

The Escape key is very useful to stop a process that you did not intend to work.

The Control or CTRL key is used in conjunction with other keys. Like the ALT or Alternate, these keys have no function alone.

The Windows key (WIN) is similar to these except that a single press will bring up the Start menu and then pressing with other keys will give special functions.

Caps Lock locks the keyboard in capitals while typing if required.

Keyboard shortcuts

Shortcuts are available using the keyboard for a large variety of functions.
These are not the only way of doing things however as the mouse and menus can select functions too.
It is personal preference which way you prefer to work however there are some keyboard shortcuts that are very useful.
Here is a link to a complete list from Microsoft Microsoft Windows Keyboard shortcuts

Short list of useful shortcuts that can be used most of the time:

Shortcut Function
Win + E Windows Explorer (file manager)
ALT + TAB Select different open windows
Win + I Open Settings
CTRL + ALT + DELETE List Admin actions; Task Manager, Log out, Lock, Switch, Password *
CTRL + Z Undo last action
CTRL + C Copy highlighted content
CTRL + V Paste highlighted content
CTRL + X Copy and delete highlighted content

*Be aware that on very old Windows computers, CTRL+ALT+DELETE will cause a Restart.

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