THE KEYBOARD AND MOUSE

Keyboard Commands

In order to use your computer effectively, you must interact with it using both the mouse and the keyboard. The above image of a keyboard may closely resemble (if it is not identical to) the keyboard in front of you; learning the function of just a few keys will help you to interact better with your computer and individual programs. The following is a list of commonly used keys that have special functions (keep in mind that key functions can change depending on which program you are using):
1. Backspace: This key deletes letters backward ().
3. Shift: This key, when pressed WITH another key, will perform a secondary function.
4. Space bar: This key enters a space between words or letters.
5. Tab: This key will indent what you type, or move the text to the right. The default indent distance is usually ½ inch.
6. Caps Lock: Pressing this key will make every letter you type capitalized.
7. Control (Ctrl): This key, when pressed WITH another key, performs a shortcut.
8. Enter: This key either gives you a new line, or executes a command (pressed in a word processing program, it begins a new line).
9. Number Keypad: These are exactly the same as the numbers at the top of the keyboard; some people find them easier to use in this position.
10. Arrow Keys: Like the mouse, these keys are used to navigate through a document or page.