Up until 1995, the standard keyboard had 101 keys. In 1995 Microsoft introduced two new keys - the Windows Logo key (two keys) and the application key. Here is a description of the layout of your 104-key keyboard. This keyboard is the most standard in use today. You will learn what each key does and what its particular function is. Practice typing in your word processor to become nimble and efficient with your keyboard. Do not be afraid to press hard on your keyboard. Use firm strokes and have fun with it

The keyboard is divided into seven groups of keys:

* Group 1: Esc Key

* As you look at your keyboard, above the typing keys in the upper left corner all by itself is the escape key. When operating Windows, some choices you make will require several answers. The escape key is used to cancel a command, or used to cancel a series of commands. The escape key is used in all dialog windows to cancel the last command.

* Group 2: Function Keys

As you move to the right from the escape key, you will find function keys F1 through F12. Please note they are in groups of four keys, F1 through F4, F5 through F8, and F9 through F12. The F1 and F4 keys are the most used.

* Group 3: Three Other Keys

* To the right of the F12 key are three other keys - Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause/Break. These keys are not used much in Windows.

* Group 4: Numeric Keypad - 17 Keys

On the right end of the keyboard is the numeric keypad. The upper left key is labeled "Num Lock". Pressing the Num Lock key makes this keypad act like a numeric keypad. If you press the Num Lock key again, it will make these keys act like a directional keypad. If you need to enter a lot of numbers in a program the numeric keypad is great.

* Group 5: Directional Keys

* To the left of the numeric keypad, you will notice an upside down T arrangement in the middle of your keyboard.

These keys are called the directional keys. There is one for up, one for down, one for left, and one for right. These allow you to move your cursor around in an application. You can use the directional keys to also navigate and make choices in Windows.

Group 6: Six-Pack

Above the upside down T are six keys referred to as the six-pack. The six-pack is made up of two rows of three keys. INSERT key - In the upper left corner of the six-pack is the Insert key. When you type text you are in either one of two modes: insert or type over. In insert mode, anything you type is inserted at the cursor. This allows you to insert text in the middle of a sentence. In type over mode, anything you type replaces your existing text. Delete key - This key is in the lower left corner of the six-pack below the insert key. It deletes a character or a selected item(s). This key will delete any highlighted area when this is pressed. Home key - This key is on the top row and in the middle of the six-pack. The Home key takes you to the beginning of a line. End key - This key is below the Home key. It will take you to the end of a line. Page Up - This key is in the upper right corner of the six-pack. You use this key to page up through multiple pages of information you are viewing. Page Down - Below the page up key is the PAGE DOWN key. It allows you to page down through multiple pages of information.

* Group 7: Typing Keys

* The last group of keys are the typing keys. Other than the standard alphabet keys, the keys that are important in this group are the CONTROL, SPACE BAR, ALT, WINDOWS LOGO, WINDOWS PROPERTIES, SHIFT, TAB, ENTER, BACKSPACE, and the DASH key. These keys we will refer to as the "multi-functional keys".

Multi-functional keys

CONTROL KEY - There are two CONTROL keys, which are found on the end of the bottom row of keys (far right and far left). Like the ALT key, this key is used in combination with other keys, like the F4 key.

SPACE BAR KEY - The SPACE BAR is the long key on the lower row of the typing keys. This key inserts a space at the cursor. When you are a dialogue window with check boxes, the space bar will either check or uncheck the box. The space bar can also act like a left mouse click when on a button in a dialogue box.

ALT KEY - There are two ALT keys, and they are found to the left and right of the space bar. This key is used in combination with other keys, like the F4 key. Pressing the alt key will activate a pull down menu for whichever program you are in.

WINDOWS LOGO KEYS - There are two WINDOWS LOGO keys, which are next to your Alt keys on either side of the space bar. When you press this key you activate the start button on the task bar, which opens the start menu. The start button is a way to launch different programs. When you open the start button, you will find ten areas to choose from: windows, programs, favorites, documents, settings, find, help, log off, run and shut down.

Application KEY OR property KEY - There is only one property key or application key and it is located on the bottom row of keys on the right side between the Windows Logo key and the control key. This key is referred to as the Properties Menu key because it brings up the properties screen that relates to where the cursor is sitting. This key is just like pressing the right mouse button.

SHIFT KEY - Above the control keys are the SHIFT keys. Just like the Alt and Control keys, there are two of these. The shift key is used to make a capital letter and it is used with the tab key to move your cursor forward and backward in a dialogue box. It can also be used with the control key and the directional keys to highlight or select a choice.

TAB KEY - Above the shift key on the left side of your keyboard is the Caps Lock, and above that is the TAB key. This key moves the cursor while in a dialogue window.

ENTER KEY - Above the shift key on the right side of the keyboard is the Enter key. This key is used to confirm an entry or to select a command.

BACKSPACE KEY - The BACK SPACE key should be found in the upper right key in the top row of typing keys. This key can be used to move up a level in a dialogue box.

DASH KEY - The DASH key is located to the right of the number zero key. This key can be used with the alt key to open the control menu of a child window.

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