A computer keyboard is an input device that allows the user to enter characters such as numbers, letters, and other symbols into a computer. In Microsoft Windows, the keyboard can be used to perform different kinds of tasks, including typing, controlling programs, and starting various functions. The buttons on a keyboard are called "keys".

Layout

In a typical keyboard layout, the keys used to type letters are in the center. Number keys are above them, while the space bar is below them. There are keys used to type punctuation marks, which are found to the right of the letter keys. Function keys, named F1 - F12, are usually found above the number keys. To the right of the main keyboard space, there is a set of navigation keys. Many keyboards also include a numeric keypad, which is a set of keys that perform the same function as the number keys and navigation keys.

There are different ways the keys on a keyboard are laid out, usually to accommodate different regions and languages. The most popular layout is called QWERTY, which is based on the first six letters on typewriter keyboards. However, other layouts have been developed – one such layout is Dvorak, which puts the most common letters in the places that are easiest to reach.

Function

There are many keys that perform different functions. However, most of them are grouped together with similar keys, to note their purpose. These types of keys are:

• Typing keys: These keys represent letters, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols that can be typed into the computer. They are similar to the keys found on a typewriter. The Caps Lock and Shift buttons change what the other typing keys do.
• Control keys: These keys perform specific actions, depending on if they are pressed at the same time as another key. Ctrl, Alt, Esc, Windows key, and Application key are control keys. Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break are control keys that are sometimes excluded from modern keyboard models.
• Function keys: These keys perform actions depending on what program is being used when they are pressed. The function keys are a row of keys named F1 to F12. In some keyboards, there is instead an Fn key that changes other keys to act like the function keys.
• Navigation keys: These keys are used to scroll across screens that do not fit the whole computer display. In some programs, they are used to move a cursor. The Insert, Home, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, End, and the four arrow keys.

Some keyboards also have keys that open a specific program or change a certain setting when pressed. The shortcuts used by these keys will vary in each keyboard model.

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