On a standard QWERTY keyboard, there are 105 keys. Not all of the keys are alphabet or numerical keys, some provide other functions. A group of these keys, referred to as the Modifier Keys are an example of this.
They enhance the use of a keyboard, making life easier for the user. Elements of this set are:
- Shift
- Ctrl
- Alt
- Alt Gr
- Win Key
Shift
Location: The key is found twice on the keyboard, once on the left, above Ctrl, and the other on the opposite side of the alpha keys. (Coloured red on the image above)
Use: like second function on a calculator, it produces a different symbol than if it wasn't pressed. For example:
- Shift + 1 = !
- Shift + ' =@
- Shift + 5 = %
It can be used in conjunction with other keys, like Delete, to Delete straight away, instead of pushing the unwanted file to the recycle bin.
Ctrl (Control)
Location: At the bottom left of the keyboard, and at the bottom right, under the right shift.(Coloured yellow)
Use: It is used in conjunction with alpha keys, to do some very useful jobs.
For example, Ctrl + A selects all the available text and|or images. Ctrl + X will cut the current selection.
Alt
Location: It is just to the left of the big space bar. (Coloured green)
Use: Used similarly to an alternative of Ctrl. It deals more with menus. Eg. Alt + F opens the file menu. Alt + F4 closes the current window open.
Alt Gr
Location: It is just to the right of the big space bar. Exactly opposite the Alt key.(Also coloured green)
Use: For foreign symbols, not native to an English keyboard. Example, í, é or á.
Win Key
Location: Between the Ctrl and Alt keys on either side of the space bar. (This one is blue)
Use: For windows operating shortcuts, like win + e, which open the My Computer window, or win + r, which opens run.
I will be updating this post frequently, so come back later to see how it has progressed.
