Computer keyboard is a device used to enter data and commands to a computer. Here are some facts you should know about this part of a computer.
What is computer keyboard?
It is one of the most important parts of a computer which is used to enter commands, text, numerical data and other types of data by pressing the keys on the keyboard.
A user talks with a computer through input devices such as keyboard and mouse. Input devices are used to enter data to a computer. The entered data then converted into machine language so that a CPU understands the data or instruction comes through the input devices.
computer keyboard
Types of keyboard
Computer keyboard comes in several type and variation, however, the basic elements are the same in all keyboards.
The most common types include
- 101 or 102-Key enhanced keyboard (this is a popular type of keyboard now used almost in all system units)
- 104-Key Keyboard
Commonly, a keyboard layout type which is called QWERTY (takes its name from the first six letters of the typing keys) is used widely for English language keyboard.
Basically, all keyboards have the following parts:-
Typing area
It looks and arranged like a traditional typewriter where you press alphabetic keys. It holds alphabetic character such as letter, special characters and numbers. This is the area you use mostly when you do word processing.
Function keys
The functions keys are located at the top of a keyboard and grouped into four. There are 12 functions keys starting from F1 through F12. These keys are used for special purposes and most programmers use these keys to do a specific task.
For example, if you are writing text with Microsoft Word and wanted to read Help, you can press F1 to display the Help. F5 key will display Find and Replace dialogue box. F12 key will display Save As dialogue box.
These keys used differently again in other applications, for example, if you are a user of AutoCAD, pressing F2 will display AutoCAD text window.
Similarly, you can check all the keys and how they carry out specific task depending on the type of application you are running. Most applications will tell on their manuals and guides how these functions keys are used in the applications.
Generally, functions keys will greatly benefit you if you know how to use them well. More on computer keyboard shortcuts...
Numeric keypad
Numeric keypad is the other part of computer keyboard. Usually, it is located at the right side of a keyboard. It is arranged like a standard calculator used to enter numerical data.
It can also be used as directional keys. Pressing the Num Lock key above the numeric keypad will tell whether the keys are on numeric or directional mode. If it is on, it is on numeric mode and can enter numbers. If it is off, it is on directional mode and only used for moving a cursor on screen UP, Down, Left or Right.
Cursor and monitor controls
These are keys found between the typing keypad and the numeric keypad. It has two groups of keys, arranged top and bottom.
The top keys holds Insert, Home, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and End keys.
Insert key switches between insert and overtype modes. Home key brings you back at the beginning of a page. Page Up and Page Down keys help you to move one page or screen up or down. Delete key erases a text or page. The End key takes you at the end of a page.
The bottom keys are independent directional keys, which let you to move the cursor Left, Right, Up and Down. Status lights, Escape key, Print Screen/SysRq, Scroll Lock, Pause/Break are user for frequent functions.
For example, if you press the Caps Lock on the typing keypad, the Caps Lock Status light tells you that is on and can type Capital letters. You press Print Screen key if you want to save the current Window as an image.
These are the parts found in standard computer keyboard and mostly used in desktop computers. Laptop and Notebook keyboard types are more compact, but recently we are beginning to see laptops that have dedicated numeric keypads as well.
Other than the above parts, some keyboards incorporate additional buttons. These buttons used to activate actions such as music buttons (play, pause, forward, rewind, stop and mute), Bluetooth, e-mail and so on.
How keyboard connects to a computer?
computer Keyboard can connect with a computer through a cable or signal (wireless connection). Until recently, a keyboard connects with the standard PS/2 type or Serial.
Now this trend is changed and the connection is replaced by USB (universal serial bus) and wireless connectors. Most modern PCs (motherboards) even don’t have PS/2 connectors, only USB.
Since there is no connection with main pc, wireless keyboard gets power from battery or AC power connection. This is the side effect of wireless keyboards, you often change battery.
Conclusion
In summary, computer keyboard is an input device that can’t be escaped. When you buy keyboards go for the known and best brand types, otherwise it will soon fail to operate.
Computer mouse
Computer mouse helps to navigate through graphical interface applications. Having a good and ergonomic mouse is essential for a daily task done by a computer.
This article tells about mouse and the technology behind the scene.
What is computer mouse?
It is a device used for computer input. It points and click on icons, menus, command buttons or activates something on a computer. The GUI (Graphical user interface) of current applications and programs are user friendly and easier to navigate using computer mouse.
computer mouse
How mouse works?
The purpose of mouse is to convert your hand movement into a usable computer format. When the mouse is moved, this movement rolls a ball found inside. You should put the mouse on flat table or mouse pad in order to move.
The two axles (represent the X and Y direction) will turn as a result of the rolling ball. Each axle connects to wheel (resembles like a gear) which spins when the axle rotates.
computer mouse parts
Beside each rotating wheel, there are an infrared LED (light-emitting diode) and infrared Sensor. The LED sends a path of light to the wheel. The sensor, found on the other side of the wheel, detects the pulses of light interrupted by rotating wheel.
The mouse on-board processor chip reads the pulses from the sensor and translates into computer usable format (binary data). This tells the mouse position and speed which is displayed in the movement of a cursor on a screen. This kind of mouse is called Optomechanical mouse.
Back to Top
Today, ball mouse is replaced by optical types which use LED and a small camera to sense the movement of a mouse.
Optical mouse inside parts
Most modern mouse has the following parts
- Case
- On-board processor chip
- Two buttons
- A wheel between the two buttons (used to scroll up and down, Zoom IN and Zoom Out in applications like AutoCAD)
- Battery (if it is wireless)
- Connection interface such as USB or Infrared
How to connect mouse with a computer?
There are at least four ways to connect your mouse to a computer, though some of them are obsolete now. Serial, PS/2, USB and Cordless are the ways to connect a mouse with a computer.
USB and Cordless or wireless mouse are the most dominant on the modern computers. PS/2 and Serial connection found on old systems, not on new systems.
Conclusion
Computer mouse is a device we use daily, now a day all tasks are done by computer. And there is a daily connection with mouse.
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