Explore the Keyboard Glossary

Key, Caps Lock: Pressing this key automatically capitalizes everything typed or inserts every upper key symbol. Pressing the key a second time returns the typing to lower case letters and bottom key symbols.

Key, CTRL: This is a modifier key that is only used with other keys to perform special functions. For example, ctrl + C copies highlighted text and ctrl + V pastes the highlighted text. These are referred to as shortcut functions.

Key, Enter: Pressing enter is used in word processing document to add a line of space between paragraphs. It’s also used to submit information in an on-line form and to go to the next step.

Key, Number Lock: This is a modifier key. It’s located in the upper left hand corner of the numeric keypad. Just as the caps lock key modifies standard keys to enter only the upper characters, the number lock key modifies the numeric keypad to enter all the upper numbers.

Key, Shift: This is a modifier key found on both the left- and right-side of the standard keyboard. When pressed, it capitalizes letters or enters the upper character on a key.

Key, Tab: This key is used to indent text in a document or email. You can also use it to jump to the next field in a form.

Keyboard: Keyboards allow users to enter letters, numbers, and symbols into word processing and application software.

Keys, Arrow: Located to the right of the main keypad. These keys are designed to move the on- screen cursor up, down, left, and right.

Keys, Control: These may also be called modifier keys because they can either be used alone or in conjunction with other keys. When used with other keys, they modify or change that key’s use. Keys, Function: The keys are found across the top of a standard keyboard and are numbered F1-F12. The purpose of these keys differs from program to program.

Keys, Main: These keys include letters, numbers, and symbols. The layout for these keys is based on a typewriter.

Keys, Navigation: These keys allow you move around in a document or webpage without using the mouse. They also control some word processing editing features.