Using a Keyboard

Most people are familiar with the use of a keyboard but, if not, take time to read through this section in which we will deal with the special keys RETURN, DELETE, SHIFT, and Ctrl.

RETURN

This is always the large key at the right hand end of the main block of keys and is either labeled RETURN or shows an arrow that goes vertically down and then left. This key signals to the computer that you have finished typing in something which you want it to process. If the interaction with a computer is compared to a dialogue, it is the RETURN key that tells the computer you have finished speaking.

BACKSPACE

The BACKSPACE key is somewhere above the RETURN and is marked Backspace or shows as a arrow pointing left. Do not confuse it with the left arrow that forms part of a group of 4 arrows pointing left, right, up and down. You can use the BACKSPACE key to correct mistakes before you press RETURN. Each time you press it it deletes the character to the left of the cursor and moves the cursor one place to the left. Try typing in rubbish and then pressing BACKSPACE to get rid of it. There is usually also a key marked Delete this deletes the character immediately under the cursor.

SHIFT

The SHIFT key is at the left hand end of the main block of keys and is usually shown as a thick up arrow or is labeled SHIFT. A second SHIFT key is often also at the right hand side of the keyboard. Press and hold it down while pressing an alphabetic key to get upper case letters or to get the upper character on any other key. It is possible to lock the keyboard into upper case by pressing the CAPS LOCK key (normally a green warning light will show). This will give upper case but you still have to press SHIFT to get other shift characters. Pressing the CAPS LOCK key again will unlock it. Try using SHIFT and CAPS LOCK.

Ctrl

The CTRL key can be found near the bottom left hand end of the main block of keys. There may be a second CTRL key at the right hand end. This key is rather like another SHIFT key, you have to press and hold it down and then press another key to get its ``control'' version. For example to get Ctrl Y hold down CTRL and press Y. What the computer will do if you use a control character depends on what computer you are using but one pair: Ctrl S and Ctrl Q, are universal. Pressing Ctrl S freezes the terminal so that the computer cannot send to it and this includes anything you type. Pressing Ctrl Q unlocks it again.

Alt

The Alt key is like the Ctrl key; again you press it and the tap another key. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with the Ctrl key. For example pressing Ctrl and Alt together and tapping the Delete key is use to log on to a PC. Its also used to reboot a PC so be careful!