2. A keyboard is the set of typewriter-
like keys that enables you to enter data into
a computer. Computer keyboards are similar
to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain
additional keys.
3. The keys on computer keyboards are
often classified as follows:
• Alphanumeric keys -- letters and numbers
• Punctuation keys -- comma, period,
semicolon, and so on.
• Special keys-- function keys, control
keys, arrow keys, Caps Lock key, and so on.
4. QWERTY, AZERTY, Dvorak and Other Keyboards
The standard layout of letters, numbers, and
punctuation is known as a QWERTY keyboard because
the first six keys on the top row of letters
spell QWERTY. The QWERTY keyboard was designed in
the 1800s for mechanical typewriters and was actually
designed to slow typists down to avoid jamming the
keys. The AZERTY keyboard is the French version of the
standard QWERTY keyboard. AZERTY keyboards differ
slightly from the QWERTY keyboard.
5. QWERTY keyboard
(Pronounced kwer-tee). QWERTY refers to the
arrangement of keys on a standard
English computer keyboard or typewriter. The
name derives from the first six characters on the
top alphabetic line of the keyboard.
6. Arrangement of CharactersArrangement of Characters
The arrangement of characters on a QWERTY keyboard was designed
in 1868 by Christopher Sholes, the inventor of the typewriter.
According to popular myth, Sholes arranged the keys in their odd
fashion to prevent jamming on mechanical typewriters by separating
commonly used letter combinations. However, there is no evidence
to support this assertion, except that the arrangement does, in fact,
inhibit fast typing.
7. The French version of the standard QWERTY keyboard.
AZERTY keyboards differ from the QWERTY keyboard in
that the Q and W keys have been interchanged with
the A and Z keys. Another difference between QWERTY
and AZERTY keyboard is that the M key on an AZERTY
is to the left of the L key.
AZERTY keyboard
8. A virtual keyboard is where a full-size image of a QWERTY
keyboard is projected onto any surface. Touching the image of a
key generates a unique electronic signal corresponding to a key's
image. Using a virtual keyboard eliminates the chance of
breakage and infection transfer. Additionally virtual keyboards
require no cleaning and they have no wires, buttons, or
switches. Virtual keyboards are also compatible with many
Smartphones and PDAs. A virtual keyboard is also called a
projection keyboard. VKEY is the trademarked name of the
virtual keyboard developed by Virtual Devices Inc.
9. AT keyboard
An 84-key keyboard introduced with the PC
/AT. It was later replaced with the 101-key
Enhanced Keyboard.
10. (1) A 101- or 102-key keyboard from IBM that supersedes the
keyboard for the PC /AT computer. The most significant
difference between the enhanced keyboard and previous
models is that the enhanced keyboard has a row of 12 function
keys at the top instead of 10 function keys grouped on the left
side of the keyboard. Nearly all PCs made today come with an
Enhanced Keyboard.
102-key keyboard
11. In Windows Vista the On-Screen Keyboard is an application
which provides a visual keyboard on your display screen that can
be used in place of a physical keyboard. The On-Screen
Keyboard can be manipulated by the mouse or other pointing
device and can be configured in three layouts;
101 keys display (standard keyboard)
102 keys display (an extra backslash)
106 keys display (extra characters useful for typing Japanese).
On-Screen Keyboard