Unit 4

keyboard

A computer keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer that looks similar to those found on electric typewriters, but with some additional keys. The modern keyboard is based on the typewriter, a typing device that was first developed and patented in 1868 by Christopher Sholes. Keyboards allow you to input letters, numbers, and other symbols into a computer that often function as commands. The following image shows a Saitek keyboard with indicators pointing to each of the major key sections of a keyboard.

document

A document or document file is a description of an electronic copy or hard copy of reference material for a product. To write and create an electronic document on a computer use a word processor or other text editor. Once a document has been created it can be made a hard copy by using a printer to print that document.

letter keys

A letter is any character that is not considered a number or symbol. For example, a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, and z are all lowercase letters in the English language and letter keys on the keyboard. In the image to the right is an example of the uppercase letter 'A'.

cursor

Alternatively referred to as a caret, a cursor is a visual representation that allows the user to specify where they want text to be placed. Commonly, this cursor is a vertical flashing line ( blinking cursor ), and is more commonly known as an i-cursor. 2. When referring to the mouse, cursor is used to describe the object used to point, click, drag, and drop items on a GUI operating system. See the mouse pointer definition for additional information about this type of cursor.

enter

Alternatively referred to as a return key, when referring to a keyboard, the enter key is used to send the cursor to the next line or execute a command or operation. It is common for most standard keyboards to have two enter or return keys: one above the right Shift key and another on the bottom right of the numeric keypad.

arrow keys

Alternatively referred to as cursor keys, the arrow keys are usually located in between the standard section and the numeric pad on computer keyboards. It is made up of four keys

edit

Alternatively referred to as edit, edit mode is a feature within software that allows the modification of files. A good example of a program with edit mode is MS-DOS Editor. Most programs with edit mode toggle between "view" and "edit." When in the "view mode" the user can only look at the file; however, in "edit mode" the user can view and change the file's contents. Often, these modes are utilized for files that are shared between multiple users on a network.

error

An error is a term used to describe any issue that arises unexpectedly that cause a computer to not function properly. Computers can encounter either software errors or hardware errors.

function keys

As you can see in the picture of the Saitek Gamers' keyboard below, the function keys are lined along the top of the keyboard; labeled F1 through F12. These keys act as shortcuts, performing certain functions like saving files or printing data.

GWAM

As you can see in the picture of the Saitek Gamers' keyboard below, the function keys are lined along the top of the keyboard; labeled F1 through F12. These keys act as shortcuts, performing certain functions like saving files or printing data. Function keys on computer keyboard

backspace key

Back space key is a keyboard key that deletes any character before the cursors current position. For example, click the mouse button at the end of the below text and press backspace to delete the last character in the line.

caps lock

Computer keyboard toggle-key that enables or disables all the letters from being typed in uppercase. When the caps lock key is enabled, the keyboard types "LIKE THIS" and when it is disabled, the keyboard types "like this." The picture shows an example of the keyboard LED's that indicate if keyboard toggle-keys are enabled or disabled.

default

In general, a default is what the computer, operating system, or program has set for the user based off what it believes is the best option. If the user wants a different setting, the default can be changed to a user setting. Below are some different examples of how default is used with computers.

delete key

In general, delete or remove refers to the act of eliminating a file, text, or other object from the computer hard drive or other media. Files deleted in Microsoft Windows are sent to the Recycling Bin; on Apple computers, they're sent to the Trash. In most operating systems, when files are deleted they are only marked as such, but will still exist on the hard drive until they are overwritten by other data. This condition is what makes data recovery possible.

esc key

Short for Escape, Esc is a key located on the top-left of a computer keyboard that allows a user to cancel or abort operations.

home row keys

Term used to describe the row of keys on the computer keyboard your fingers rest on when not typing. For example, on the standard QWERTY United States keyboard, the home row keys for your left hand are A, S, D, and F and your right hand are J, K, l, and ; with the thumbs resting on the space bar.

key

When referring to a computer keyboard, a key is a single button on the keyboard. Letters, numbers, functions, and symbols are all represented on keys. For example, the picture shows the Windows key a keyboard key found on most keyboards today.

accuracy

degree of freedom from errors

center

the center refers to a position that is horizontally or vertically aligned with an object, as the middle of the screen or line in a paragraph. In computing, the term "center" is generally used to describe text that is horizontally in the middle of a line. However, the term "middle" may be used to describe text that is in the middle of a page both horizontally and vertically. The following example shows text that has been centered horizontally.