A
computer's main input device is the keyboard, and it's almost impossible to
imagine a computer without one. A computer keyboard looks alot like the
keyboard for a typewriter but has added keys that provide many different
features and enhancements. The keyboards sold today are called enhanced
keyboards and have 101 to 106 individual keys. The layouts are basically the
same with the odd key situated differently. They generally hook up to your
computer with a DIN-5, PS2 (mini DIN-6), or USB connector.
Keyboards can definitely have a certain
feel or touch to them and it's best to try one out before you buy. Some can be
quite springy while others feel kind of mushy, others have a definite snap or
click to them. Some actually make a clicking sound as you type (some people
might like this, it drives me nuts). There are split keyboards and ergonomic
keyboards meant to help reduce the possiblity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Of course, you get a keyboard when you buy
a computer, but it's not an overly expensive item and can easily be replaced
with one more to your liking. When I say it's not an overly expensive item, I'm
referring to the generic keyboards sold with the average computer system. The
newer high-tech, exotic colored, ergonomic, split keyboards sporting extra
buttons for the CD player and instant internet access with page-scroll and
touchpad are starting to get up there in price.
Once you've found a keyboard that you find
comfortable, one of your main concerns should be proper typing form. Repetative
stress injuries are a concern and poor posture can also result in back and neck
pain. Sit up straight and find yourself a chair that supports the natural curve
in your back. It should be adjusted to your keyboard so that you don't have to
lean forward or hunch to type. Your shoulders should be relaxed with your
forearms and wrists fairly level, fingers slightly curved. Wrist pads are made
for you to rest your wrists on while taking short breaks, your wrists shouldn't
be on them while you type. Don't sit and type constantly, try to take a few
breaks every now and then and have a stretch.
Troubleshooting
Keyboards are fairly trouble-free input devices. However, sometimes troubles do arise 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 to check is the connection. Make sure the connector is plugged securely into the proper port. Sometimes it's possible to plug into the wrong port if both your keyboard and your mouse use a PS2 connector. Unless it attaches with a USB connector, make sure your computer is off before you plug or unplug your keyboard 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, depending on your computer's setup. Another thing that can cause this error is if there's a 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 a keylock switch on them. They're not found on cases that often now, but some do still have them, especially network servers. This allows a person to lock out keyboard access to any unwanted users. This might be something else to check if you'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 a little 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 eat over it, smoke a pipe or cigarettes at your computer? It is possible to rinse a keyboard with water, let it dry thoroughly, and use it again. If it's just a couple of keys, you can pop the caps off with a chip puller and try to clean underneath. 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 when pressed. It's really easy to break these if you don't know how to get them off properly. Yes, it is possible to take all the keycaps off, take the keyboard apart and wash everything down, but consider what your time is worth too. By the time you've removed all the keys, washed everything, dried it properly, and replaced 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 it under the sink or putting it through the rinse cycle in the dishwasher without any 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. If someone else uses your computer, maybe they've toyed with the Keyboard Settings or set some of the Accessability Options. If text is being overwritten instead of inserted when you type, check the Insert key, this toggles between insert and overwrite.
Although not all that common, keyboards can
also have electrical shorts and wiring problems. It's nice to have a spare
keyboard that you can swap in and out to eliminate the possibility.
Care and Cleaning
Keyboards can be cleaned with mild soap and water on a damp cloth that's been well wrung out. Turn your keyboard upside down and tap it on the bottom to knock out crumbs and ashes or food particles, then use canned air to blow the dust, grime and 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 make sure it doesn't melt or smear the plastic finish. Keeping your keyboard covered when not in use can help keep out the dust. If your fingers are particularly grimy then you can buy keyboard 'skins' that fit over the keys to keep them clean and prevent dust, dead skin and other particles from getting underneath.
Any keyboard that you buy today is going to
contain the following keys:
ESC
The ESC key is located on the upper left corner of the keyboard. It allows the user to break out of the current process. It will close pop-up windows, some programs, and may back you out of an operation that you've changed your mind about.
F1 - F12
There are 12 function keys across the top of the keyboard. Software companies can program the individual keys to perform different functions in each application program.
Print Screen
The print 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 the clipboard and it can be viewed and manipulated in any graphic program that reads .bmp files.
Scroll Lock
Beside the Print Screen key is the Scroll Lock key. In some programs, this key will lock the cursor in position and allow you to move the screen view elsewhere.
Pause
The Pause key is in the upper right corner of the keyboard. This key will halt a function or process until another key is pressed.
Shift
There is a shift key on either side of the keyboard. Pressing a key while holding down the Shift key, will produce a capital or uppercase letter or the character displayed in the upper half of the key.
Caps Lock
This key 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.