The Keyboard

The keyboard

The keyboard on most PCs follow a similar layout.

The standard keyboard layout in the UK is often referred to as a 'QWERTY' keyboard. This name comes from the first six letters in the top alphabet row (the one just below the numbers in the Alpha/Numeric area of the keyboard).

More information about the most commonly used keys and keyboard shortcuts is shown on the following tabs.

Print off the keyboard skills quick reference guide to find out about how to use a keyboard to input text, numbers and actions into a computer, useful shortcuts and tips.

Top row

Escape: (Esc):exit without making changes

Function Keys: (F1 to F12):

F1: normally opens 'Help'

F2-F12: vary by programme

Print Screen: copies current screen to your clipboard, then paste

Scroll Lock: can effect how your cursor keys work

Pause / Break: can stop certain pc routines

Indicator lights: show when number lock, caps lock and scroll lock are selected

Navigation Keys

Alpha / Numeric Keys

Alpha Keys: enable you to enter text in all computer programs.

Numeric Keys: enable you to enter numbers (see also Number tab).

Backspace: remove the item to left of the cursor (also works to go back in a web browser).

Tab: this key can be used to move through options when used with the Ctrl and Alt keys

Caps Lock: locks upper case, press again to deselect.

Enter: creates a new Paragraph or use to select a button or command

Shift: is used to select upper case letters and symbols on the number keys.

Bottom Row

Control (Ctrl): -used with other keys for shortcuts (e.g. Ctrl + B = Bold Text)

Alt: - Selects the top menu bar

Spacebar: - enters a space in text

Alt Gr - to select the Euro symbol

Menu: selects the right mouse menu (does not work in all programs)

Number pad

Number Lock: switches on the number pad keys (0-9)

Symbol keys (/, *, -, +): represent the math functions of divide, multiply, minus, add

Enter: normally works the same as the main enter key, on the alpha-numeric keyboard

Keyboard shortcuts

This section will help you with the Common Keyboard Shortcuts (i.e. ones that work in most applications) and links to Application Keyboard Shortcuts.

"Power" Key	Common Shortcuts	Other "Magic" Keys
This is your secret weapon on the keyboard. Press Ctrl + mouse click for multiple selections Press Ctrl + keys Press Ctrl + mouse scroll to zoom	These shortcuts work with most programs: Ctrl + A = Select All Ctrl + B = Bold Ctrl + C = Copy Ctrl + F = Find Ctrl + I = Italic Ctrl + V = Paste Ctrl + X = Cut Ctrl + Z = Undo	Tab - move to next fields or 'object. Alt + Tab - move between applications Print Screen - 'copy' the current screen to the Clipboard F1 -application help

Practise the keyboard

Find out more about using the Keyboard and have a go yourself, using the BBC Web Wise pages*. Stage 4 is about the keyboard.

Click anywhere on the keyboard to begin.

Quick reference guide

Print off the keyboard skills quick reference guide to find out about how to use a keyboard to input text, numbers and actions into a computer, useful shortcuts and tips.

* Hampshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites.