Computer Typing

Computer keyboards evolved from the IBM electric typewriter keyboards that were the basis of the 83-key keyboard for the original IBM PC. With the second-generation AT PC, IBM introduced a 101-key version similar to modern keyboards. This keyboard moved the function keys to the top and the numeric keypad to the right. Since then, Windows function keys and a few additional control keys, depending on the keyboard, have raised the total to about 105 keys but left the basic layout the same.

Alphanumeric

The alphanumeric part of the keyboard shows the letters, numbers, punctuation and a few symbols such as percent and dollar sign. The standard U.S. keyboard shows only Western, English characters, but the ASCII Code that is the basis for keyboards can type 256 characters, including accented and special characters from European languages. You can type these on your U.S. keyboard by holding down the "Alt" key and typing the ASCII number of the character, available from an ASCII reference such as "The ASCII Code." You can type all 256 characters this way.

Function Keys

You can find the twelve function keys across the top of the keyboard. The functions they carry out depend mainly on the computer and software that you are using, but there are some standard functions. "F1" usually opens a help file. "F2" lets you edit a selection, for example a cell in MS Excel. "F3" opens "Find." "F4" repeats an action such as bolding text. "F5" gives a refresh command.