Keyboard



  • The keyboard was the first input device developed for the PC. 
  • The standard keyboard layout provides 104 keys organized as four groups: 
    • alphanumeric keys (A-Z, 0-9) 
    • location keys (home, end etc.) 
    • numeric keypad 
    • function keys (F1-F12)

  • In addition to the standard keys, some keyboards offer functions such as volume control for speakers, web browser functions and power management. 
  • Data is transferred to the PC over a short cable with a circular 6-pin Mini-din connector that plugs into the back of the motherboard. 
  • Standard keyboards sell for $7 to $30 depending on the feature set. 
  • There are wireless keyboards that communicate with a pod that is plugged into the keyboard port. Radio Frequency (RF) or InfraRed (IR) technology is used to communicate between the keyboard and the receiver pod, which plugs into the PC. Wireless keyboards are priced in the $40 to $45 range. 
  • Cherry Hill Inc. is releasing a keyboard that has an integrated Finger Tip sensor. Instead of having to type in passwords to access the PC a successful fingerprint match allows entry in to the PC or specific programs.