Keyboards are one of the most basic parts for computer use. The letters, numbers, special characters and function keys on the keyboards have important roles in guiding the computer. While some of them have letters, numbers or symbols on them, some of the keys have different functions. In this article, we have brought together the functions of keyboard keys.
Functions of keyboard keys
There are many keys on the keyboard. Some keys have only one task, while others have multiple functions. In addition to the keys that express letters and numbers, there are also some keys with special functions. On the other hand, it is also possible to access various shortcuts with key combinations.
Function of the ESC key: It is used to exit an application or cancel a command.
The task of the TAB key: It allows you to quickly switch between the parts of the window that you are actively using. Also used to move the cursor forward a few spaces.
The function of the CAPS LOCK key: When this key is active, all your typing is expressed in uppercase characters. When it is not active, you write it in lower case. There is usually a small light on this key that indicates whether it is active or not.
The function of the SHIFT key: This key, which does not have a specific function on its own, gains various functions when used with other characters. When you enter a letter by holding down this key, this letter is written in uppercase. At the same time, we can write the symbols in the upper left part of the keys on the keyboard with the help of the SHIFT key.
Function of the CTRL key: CTRL key Usually works in conjunction with another key. It creates various shortcuts when used in combination with other keys. For example, CTRL+C lets you copy a text or a file. You can select all the expressions in your active window with CTRL+A.
Function of the Fn key: We often see the function key expressed with Fn on small keyboards. Since there is not much space for the keys in such keyboards, the function keys ranging from F1 to F12 are given secondary tasks. When used together with the Fn key, the secondary functions of these keys can be activated.
Role of the WINDOWS key: The WIN key opens the start menu and also creates many shortcuts. For example, you can open the Run section with WIN+R.
The function of the ALT key: It is used to open the menu tab in applications. However, the ALT key is also one of the special-task keys. One of the most well-known ones is the ability to switch between open applications with ALT + TAB.
The function of the SPACE key: It is used to insert a one-character space.
Function of ALT GR key: It is one of the special keys. When pressed together, it allows the symbols in the lower right corner of the other keys to be written.
Function of the ENTER key: The Enter key has different functions. In general, it can be used both to confirm an action and to display a result. At the same time, the ENTER key functions to move to a lower line while writing.
Function of BACKSPACE key: It is used for deleting from the text where the cursor is to the left.
Function of the DELETE key: It is used to delete the characters to the right of the cursor in the text. It also functions to delete selected files and folders.
Function of the INSERT key: It is used for erasing writing.
Function of the HOME key: It is used to move the cursor to the beginning of the line it is on.
Function of the END key: It is used to move the cursor to the end of the line.
Function of the PAGE UP key: It is used to go to the beginning of the page.
Function of PAGE DOWN key: It is used to reach the end of the page.
Function of the PRTSCR key: It is used to take a screenshot of the screen. When used on its own, you’ll need to paste the image of your screen onto an app like Paint. When you press the WIN+PRTSC key, the image is automatically saved in the ‘Screenshots’ folder.
Function of the NUM LOCK key: The NUM LOCK key is used to activate the numeric keys of the keyboard. In this way, you can use the numbers in this section.
The task of the SCROLL LOCK key: It is used to activate or deactivate the scrolling of the page with the wheel of your mouse.
The task of the PAUSE/BRAKE key: It is used to stop the operations of the computer. When any key is pressed, the computer continues to operate.
Function keys functions:
- F1 key: It is generally used to open the help window of the program you are in.
- F2 key: It is used to change the names of files and folders. At the same time, some computers have the task of opening the BIOS screen.
- F3 key: It is used to open the search box in the window you are in.
- F4 key: Used to open the address bar.
- F5 key: It is used to refresh the current window or program.
- F6 key: It is used to switch between tabs of the open window. It also allows you to access the address section of the internet browser.
- F7 key: It is used to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
- F8 key: Used to enter Safe Mode and, in some computers, as the boot key of the BIOS screen.
- F9 key: It is used to refresh the worksheet in the Word program. It also allows selected fields to be updated. It also opens the ‘reader view’ on the website.
- F10 key: Used to activate the worksheet’s menu bar.
- F11 key: It is used to switch the current program to full screen mode.
- F12 key: It is used to open Console section in internet browsers. It also acts as a ‘Save As’ option in Microsoft Word.
Numbers and symbols: These keys, which are located under the function keys, generally have more than one task. These keys allow us to write the symbols on them with the help of the SHIFT and ALT GR keys as well as the numbers and symbols on them. While the characters in the upper left corner can be written with the SHIFT key, the symbols on the lower right can be written with the ALT GR key.
We tried to explain the functions of the keyboard keys as much as we can. Did you know the keys and shortcuts on your keyboard? You can share your views with us in the comments section.
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