Acomputer's main input device is the keyboard, and it's almost impossible toimagine a computer without one. A computer keyboard looks alot like thekeyboard for a typewriter but has added keys that provide many differentfeatures and enhancements. The keyboards sold today are called enhancedkeyboards and have 101 to 106 individual keys. The layouts are basically thesame with the odd key situated differently. They generally hook up to yourcomputer with a DIN-5, PS2 (mini DIN-6), or USB connector.
Keyboards can definitely have a certainfeel or touch to them and it's best to try one out before you buy. Some can bequite springy while others feel kind of mushy, others have a definite snap orclick to them. Some actually make a clicking sound as you type (some peoplemight like this, it drives me nuts). There are split keyboards and ergonomickeyboards meant to help reduce the possiblity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Of course, you get a keyboard when you buya computer, but it's not an overly expensive item and can easily be replacedwith one more to your liking. When I say it's not an overly expensive item, I'mreferring to the generic keyboards sold with the average computer system. Thenewer high-tech, exotic colored, ergonomic, split keyboards sporting extrabuttons for the CD player and instant internet access with page-scroll andtouchpad are starting to get up there in price.
Once you've found a keyboard that you findcomfortable, one of your main concerns should be proper typing form. Repetativestress injuries are a concern and poor posture can also result in back and neckpain. Sit up straight and find yourself a chair that supports the natural curvein your back. It should be adjusted to your keyboard so that you don't have tolean forward or hunch to type. Your shoulders should be relaxed with yourforearms and wrists fairly level, fingers slightly curved. Wrist pads are madefor you to rest your wrists on while taking short breaks, your wrists shouldn'tbe on them while you type. Don't sit and type constantly, try to take a fewbreaks every now and then and have a stretch.
Troubleshooting
Keyboards are fairly trouble-free input devices. However, sometimes troubles doarise and there are a few relatively simple fixes.
No Response
If you can't seem to get any response from your keyboard, the first thing tocheck is the connection. Make sure the connector is plugged securely into theproper port. Sometimes it's possible to plug into the wrong port if both yourkeyboard and your mouse use a PS2 connector. Unless it attaches with a USBconnector, make sure your computer is off before you plug or unplug yourkeyboard or mouse. If your keyboard is unplugged when you boot your computer,you'll get a 'keyboard error' that may or may not halt your system, dependingon your computer's setup. Another thing that can cause this error is if there'sa key stuck down or if something is resting on a key during bootup.
One more thing on this particular subject, computer cases used to have akeylock switch on them. They're not found on cases that often now, but some dostill have them, especially network servers. This allows a person to lock outkeyboard access to any unwanted users. This might be something else to check ifyou're not getting any response from your keyboard.
Sticking Keys
If you have a key or several keys that stick after being pressed, it may be alittle difficult to pinpoint at first, but you'll probably soon figure it out.Have you maybe spilled coffee or coke on your keyboard recently? Do you eatover it, smoke a pipe or cigarettes at your computer? It is possible to rinse akeyboard with water, let it dry thoroughly, and use it again. If it's just acouple of keys, you can pop the caps off with a chip puller and try to cleanunderneath. Be careful of the longer keycaps like the Enter key, Shift keys,and spacebar, they have small metal hangers under them to keep them level whenpressed. It's really easy to break these if you don't know how to get them offproperly. Yes, it is possible to take all the keycaps off, take the keyboardapart and wash everything down, but consider what your time is worth too. Bythe time you've removed all the keys, washed everything, dried it properly, andreplaced the caps, a new keyboard might have been a more economical answer.Then again, if you're going to replace it anyway, why not just try rinsing itunder the sink or putting it through the rinse cycle in the dishwasher withoutany soap. After allowing it to dry thoroughly, test it out. If it works, great,if not, buy a new one.
Change the Settings
If you find your keyboard doing strange things, check out the Control Panel. Ifsomeone else uses your computer, maybe they've toyed with the Keyboard Settingsor set some of the Accessability Options. If text is being overwritten insteadof inserted when you type, check the Insert key, this toggles between insertand overwrite.
Although not all that common, keyboards canalso have electrical shorts and wiring problems. It's nice to have a sparekeyboard that you can swap in and out to eliminate the possibility.
Care and Cleaning
Keyboardscan be cleaned with mild soap and water on a damp cloth that's been well wrungout. Turn your keyboard upside down and tap it on the bottom to knock outcrumbs and ashes or food particles, then use canned air to blow the dust, grimeand dead skin out from under the keys. I don't suggest using Isopropal Alcohol,but if you choose that route, try it on a small, unnoticable spot first to makesure it doesn't melt or smear the plastic finish. Keeping your keyboard coveredwhen not in use can help keep out the dust. If your fingers are particularlygrimy then you can buy keyboard 'skins' that fit over the keys to keep themclean and prevent dust, dead skin and other particles from getting underneath.
Any keyboard that you buy today is going tocontain the following keys:
ESC
TheESC key is located on the upper left corner of the keyboard. It allows the userto break out of the current process. It will close pop-up windows, someprograms, and may back you out of an operation that you've changed your mindabout.
F1 - F12
Thereare 12 function keys across the top of the keyboard. Software companies canprogram the individual keys to perform different functions in each applicationprogram.
Print Screen
Theprint screen key is to the right of the function keys. In DOS and Windows 3.x,the print screen key would send the data (text) on the screen to the printer.In Win9x, the key will send a graphical picture of the screens contents to theclipboard and it can be viewed and manipulated in any graphic program thatreads .bmp files.
Scroll Lock
Besidethe Print Screen key is the Scroll Lock key. In some programs, this key willlock the cursor in position and allow you to move the screen view elsewhere.
Pause
ThePause key is in the upper right corner of the keyboard. This key will halt afunction or process until another key is pressed.
Shift
Thereis a shift key on either side of the keyboard. Pressing a key while holdingdown the Shift key, will produce a capital or uppercase letter or the characterdisplayed in the upper half of the key.
Caps Lock
Thiskey is on the left side of the keyboard. It's a toggle key (on or off)that will produce all uppercase letters when using the alphabet keys.