subject: New Feature Of Keyboard [print this page] The Keyboard is an input device that was developed after the typewriter keyboard that uses an array of buttons with alphabets and symbols on it to act as electronic switches or mechanical levers. In a keyboard each key has a symbol or character etched on it and every key corresponds to a different symbols according to the symbol engraved on the key. Some keys have multiple input modes, meaning they give a different result on screen when pressed in combination with some specific keys like ctrl, alt or shift.
Usually a keyboard is used for word processing where each key corresponds to a symbol or character. But in some cases it is also used for purposes that are left to be governed by the controlling software that assigns corresponding functions for the corresponding key presses. For instance, it may be used for gaming where the software can expedite frequently used combinations or in case of operating systems where some frequently used combinations like alt + F4 or ctrl + alt + delete are given as a single key.
Standard keyboards for desktop PC's that are made for use with windows have 104 keys which include alphabets, symbols and an array of functional keys. It usually has a smaller left shift button with some extra symbols between the said button and Z key. The ones made for laptops have a smaller travel distance and a limited number of keys. Usually the number-pad is absent and the location of the functional key maybe different from that of the standard keyboards.
Keyboards that are meant for gaming or multimedia have exclusive keys for accessing web, music and other applications. For instance the ctrl key maybe color coded that become active only when a specific task is being performed or the associated software is being run.
