Computer keyboard (nonfiction): Difference between revisions
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A '''computer keyboard''' is a typewriter-style device | A '''computer keyboard''' is a typewriter-style device which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Following the decline of punch cards and paper tape, interaction via teleprinter-style keyboards became the main input method for computers. | ||
Keyboard keys (buttons) typically have characters engraved or printed on them, | Keyboard keys (buttons) typically have characters engraved or printed on them, and each press of a key typically corresponds to a single written symbol. However, producing some symbols may require pressing and holding several keys simultaneously or in sequence. While most keyboard keys produce letters, numbers or signs (characters), other keys or simultaneous key presses can produce actions or execute computer commands. | ||
In normal usage, the keyboard is used as a text entry interface for typing text and numbers into a word processor, text editor or any other program. In a modern computer, the interpretation of key presses is generally left to the software. A computer keyboard distinguishes each physical key from every other key and reports all key presses to the controlling software. Keyboards are also used for computer gaming — either regular keyboards or keyboards with special gaming features, which can expedite frequently used keystroke combinations. | In normal usage, the keyboard is used as a text entry interface for typing text and numbers into a word processor, text editor or any other program. In a modern computer, the interpretation of key presses is generally left to the software. A computer keyboard distinguishes each physical key from every other key and reports all key presses to the controlling software. Keyboards are also used for computer gaming — either regular keyboards or keyboards with special gaming features, which can expedite frequently used keystroke combinations. | ||
A keyboard is also used to give commands to the operating system of a computer, such as Windows' Control-Alt-Delete combination. Although on Pre-Windows 95 Microsoft operating systems this forced a re-boot, now it brings up a system security options screen. | A keyboard is also used to give commands to the operating system of a computer, such as Windows' Control-Alt-Delete combination. Although on Pre-Windows 95 Microsoft operating systems this forced a re-boot, now it brings up a system security options screen. | ||
A [[Command-line interface (nonfiction)|command-line interface]] is a type of user interface navigated entirely using a keyboard, or some other similar device that does the job of one. | A [[Command-line interface (nonfiction)|command-line interface]] is a type of user interface navigated entirely using a keyboard, or some other similar device that does the job of one. | ||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_keyboard Computer keyboard] @ Wikipedia | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_keyboard Computer keyboard] @ Wikipedia | ||
* [https://boingboing.net/2019/09/09/this-heated-fake-keyboard-was.html This heated fake keyboard was designed to fool your cat] @ Boing Boing | |||
[[File:Fake keyboard for cat.jpg|thumb|This heated fake keyboard was designed to fool your cat.]] | |||
* [[Command-line interface (nonfiction)]] | * [[Command-line interface (nonfiction)]] | ||
* [[Velocity-sensitive computer keyboard (nonfiction)]] | * [[Velocity-sensitive computer keyboard (nonfiction)]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:53, 12 September 2019
A computer keyboard is a typewriter-style device which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Following the decline of punch cards and paper tape, interaction via teleprinter-style keyboards became the main input method for computers.
Keyboard keys (buttons) typically have characters engraved or printed on them, and each press of a key typically corresponds to a single written symbol. However, producing some symbols may require pressing and holding several keys simultaneously or in sequence. While most keyboard keys produce letters, numbers or signs (characters), other keys or simultaneous key presses can produce actions or execute computer commands.
In normal usage, the keyboard is used as a text entry interface for typing text and numbers into a word processor, text editor or any other program. In a modern computer, the interpretation of key presses is generally left to the software. A computer keyboard distinguishes each physical key from every other key and reports all key presses to the controlling software. Keyboards are also used for computer gaming — either regular keyboards or keyboards with special gaming features, which can expedite frequently used keystroke combinations.
A keyboard is also used to give commands to the operating system of a computer, such as Windows' Control-Alt-Delete combination. Although on Pre-Windows 95 Microsoft operating systems this forced a re-boot, now it brings up a system security options screen.
A command-line interface is a type of user interface navigated entirely using a keyboard, or some other similar device that does the job of one.
- Computer keyboard @ Wikipedia
- This heated fake keyboard was designed to fool your cat @ Boing Boing
