The Keyboard

Introduction

The computer keyboard, commonly called the keyboard, is a semi-flat object that lies on the table in front of the monitor or is the main area of the laptop when the laptop is opened:

A keyboard is equipped with small objects called keys. These keys are the real objects that give meaning to the keyboard. The keyboard is made useful when you press a key and something happens.

The keyboard is made of three main categories of keys. Each category is used for a different purpose. The end-goal is to help your computer experience be as effective as possible. Many companies that manufacture computers equip their keyboards with additional useful keys. For example, this HP keyboard has buttons to increase the volume of your computer and even to get on the internet:

The following description relates only to the QWERTY keyboard used in US English. If you are using a different keyboard layout or language, please consult the documentation that came with it or the MS Windows Help files