We will be reviewing the names and functions of every key on the computer keyboard or a typewriter.  

Alt Key — A computer key that you press together with another key (e.g. Alt + Tab) so that the other key does something different from what it usually does. You can also refer to this key as Alt.

Arrow Key — One of four computer keys marked with an up, down, left, or right arrow, used for moving the cursor.

Backspace — The key that you press on a keyboard to move one space backward in a document.

Caps Lock — A key on a computer keyboard that makes all the keys produce capital letters.

Character Set — A complete set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be used by a computer.

Command Key — On some computers, a key that you press together with another key to make the computer do a particular thing.

Control Key — A key on a computer keyboard that is used in combination with other keys for doing particular operations. This key is usually marked ‘Ctrl.’ CTRL, which means control.

Delete Key — A computer key that removes characters. This key is sometimes referred to as Del.

Enter Key — A key on a computer keyboard that makes the computer perform an action or start a new line of writing.

Escape Key — A key on a computer keyboard that allows you to leave a program, return to a previous menu, or stop an action. This key is usually marked ‘Esc.’

Function Key — A special button on a keyboard that is used for a particular operation in a program. The keys are near the top of the keyboard, marked ‘F1’ to ‘F12’ are function keys.

Hot Key — A key on a computer keyboard that provides a short way of performing a set of action

Key — One of the parts that you press on a keyboard to make it produce letters, numbers, etc.

Keypad — The part at the side of a computer keyboard that has number keys & arrow keys on it.

Numeric Keypad — The part of a computer keyboard to the right of the main keys that has keys with numbers on them.

Num Lock — A computer key that you press to make the number keys below it enter numbers & not be used for moving up & down a document.

Pound Key — The hash key on a telephone keypad or computer keyboard.

Return key — A key on a computer keyboard that makes the computer perform an action or start a new line of writing.

Shift Key — The key that you press on a computer keyboard when you want to write a capital letter.

Shortcut — A computer icon or a combination of keys on the keyboard such as ‘Alt + V’ that helps you to do something on the computer more quickly. For example, go to a particular program or copy information.

Space Bar — The long narrow bar at the front of a computer keyboard that you press to make a space between letters or words when you are typing.

Star key — The key with the asterisk symbol (*) on a telephone keypad or computer keyboard.

Tab — Computing a button on a computer keyboard or typewriter that you press to move several spaces along the same line.

Toggle — Computing a key or command (=instruction) on a computer that you use to move from one operation or program to another & back again.

Touchpad — A small flat surface on a laptop computer that you touch with your finger to move the cursor on the screen. Like a mouse on the laptop.