The keyboard

A standard PC keyboard has various groups of keys. Alphanumeric keys - these represent letters and numbers, arranged as on a typewriter. A numeric keypad appears to the right of the main keyboard and contains numeric and editing keys; the Num Lock key is used to switch from numbers to editing functions. Function keys appear at the top of the keyboard and can be programmed to do special jobs. Cursor keys include 'arrow keys' which move the insertion point, and keys such as Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down, which let you move around documents.

Dedicated keys are used to issue commands or produce alternative characters. For example: Ctrl changes the functions of other keys (e.g. Ctrl + X cuts the selected text). Caps Lock sets the keyboard in 'CAPITALS' mode; it only affects letters. Enter (or Return) is pressed to select options from a menu or to start a new paragraph. Backspace deletes the character to the left of your current position.

Below is a list of key vocabulary terms related to a keyboard:

& (ampersand)

a key which is used in many languages to mean 'and'

* (asterisk)

the character which often means "multiply" in a math equation or "match all" in a RegEx wildcard

@ (at sign)

the sign often used in email addresses to separate usernames from domain names

\ (back slash)

a key used for separating files and folders, normally in a Windows file system.