The "keyboard" is the primary input device for a user. The layout is similar to the standard QWERTY typewriter keyboard. However, there are many special keys that are defined by the software you are running (Different computers have different keyboards.)

You use the keyboard as a means to communicate with or enter information into the computer. You use it to type entries and issue commands which in turn are changed or translated into code the computer can use. Some of the special keys are:

• Arrow Keys and other movement keys

• (Home, Page-up, Page Down, End)

• The function Keys (F1-F12) located at the top of your keyboard

• Text editing keys (Backspace, Delete, Insert)

• Modifier keys (Shift, CTRL, ALT)

• The Enter key (also know as, the return key)

• Other special keys such as print screen, pause, etc.

• Arrow and other keys- In a program, the arrow keys enable you to move the cursor around the screen or to select text. The home key will allow you to move the cursor to the top of the screen in some programs or to the top or beginning of the file in other programs.

  The page-up and page-down keys allow you to move from page to page within a document. Note: nothing will happen when you press these keys at the DOS prompt.

• Function Keys - (F1-F12) Function keys are used to initiate commands in programs. The command initiated differs in each program. For example- in Wordperfect 5.1 for DOS, pressing F6 makes highlighted text bold.

• Editing Keys - (Backspace, Ins, Del) The backspace key deletes characters to the left of the cursor. The delete key works the same way only it deletes characters at the cursor location and then to the right of the cursor. The insert key will insert a character to the right of the cursor.

• Modifier Keys - You can use these keys to modify or change the command action of the function key performs. For example, we know pressing F6 in Wordperfect 5.1 for DOS is used to make text bold. By pressing and holding down the Shift key and then pressing the F6 key, tells Wordperfect that you want to center the line of text. The commands assigned to each key combination vary from program to program.

• Enter Key - This key is used to confirm or enter the command into the computer. It is also used to insert a Carriage Return (line) into a text document.

There have been several "types" of keyboards developed over the years, and also several "layouts" of the keys on the keyboard. The "types" are as follows:

1. 83-key. It is the oldest PC keyboard, called the XT keyboard. It has a poor design from the standpoint of few control keys, the RETURN (ENTER) and shift keys were too small, and had poor location of some keys.

2. 84-key. It was introduced in 1984 with the "AT" PC. It had better sized RETURN and SHIFT keys, a more isolated key pad, and some special purpose keys.

3. 101-Key Enhanced Keyboard. Introduced in 1986 with IBM's RISC based "RT PC". It has remained very much the standard until 1996-1997. It may often actually have minor revisions that have more than 101 keys.

4. 104-Key Enhanced Windows Keyboard. It changes from the 101-Key model by adding 3 extra keys - "Left window, right window, and an Application" keys.

The above types of keyboards have been produced using different key layouts, the most significant being the "QWERTY" layout, identified by the first row of alphabetic keys on the left side spelling the "QWERTY".

The "QWERTY" layout was originally developed in the 1870's when typewriters were first developed, and it has remained the dominant layout, probably because most people learn to type on typewriters with this keyboard. Other layouts should as the "Dvorak" have been introduced to show faster typing was possible. But, none have gained significant popularity.

Ergonomic ally Designed Keyboards - Newer keyboard products being marketed are ergonomically designed. The following is a picture of the "MicroSoft Natural Keyboard".

This keyboard was introduced by Microsoft in late 1994. It features were designed for more comfortable use, and secondly, to add to the Microsoft Windows-based computing environment. It has 3 new keys, which allow quick access to active applications through a graphical "task manager".

The "Natural" is a designed resulting from serious research studies. You can find the full discussion in the Microsoft Web page on the Internet.

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