KEYBOARDING AS A COMMUNICATION TOOL
Meaning of keyboarding
Keyboarding can be defined as the process of inputting data or
information into special machine, using keys or buttons. It is the
utilization of a keyboard for computer functions and typing purposes.
IMPORTANCE OF KEYBOARDING
1) Keyboarding allows neat and attractive documents to be produced as
quickly as possible.
2) Keyboarding makes it possible to do complex calculations.
3) Data and information can be stored with the aid of a keyboard.
4) It facilitates research in different fields.
5) Educational games can be played using keyboarding skills.
CORRECT SITTING POSTURE FOR KEYBOARDING
In keyboarding, a lot of emphasis is placed on the right siting posture
because it affects how fast and accurate you type. The right siting posture
must be practiced until it becomes part of you.
The typewriter or computer must be placed at the center of the table or
directly opposite your body. The material to be typed is called the
MANUSCRIPT. It should be placed on the right side of the computer.
1) Hold your head erect, facing the material for inputting.
2) Your back must be straight, with your body leaning forward slightly.
3) Your shoulder should be level, not tilted.
4) Your feet should be slightly apart, but firmly placed on the floor.
5) Place one foot ahead of the other.
6) Curve your fingers so that only the tips touch the keys.
7) The chair should be without arm rests.
COMPUTER KEYBOARD
Computer keyboard is a device used to enter data and commands to a
computer. It is one of the most important parts of a computer which is
used to enter commands, text, numerical data and other types of data by
pressing the keys on the keyboard.
A user talks with a computer through input devices such as keyboard and
mouse. Input devices are used to enter data to a computer. The entered
data then converted into machine language so that a CPU understands
the data or instruction comes through the input devices.
PARTS OF THE COMPUTER KEYBOARD
The keyboard has five parts or divisions, namely:
1) Functional key.
2) Special purpose keys/computer keys.
3) Cursor keys.
4) Numeric keys.
5) Alphabetic keys.
1) FUNTIONAL KEYS: Are positioned along the top of the keyboard. They
are used to execute commands specific to the software being used for
example F6 is used to exit a file in some application, where as another
may use F6 to underline. Examples of functional keys are: F1, F2, F3,
F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11 and F12.
2) SPECIAL PURPOSE KEYS: This are keys used to enter, delete, edit etc.
data and to execute commands, below are list of some special keys of
the keyboard.
a) ESC (escape) is used to cancel a command or terminate program
execution, it can be used to return back to previous window or
proceed.
b) ENTER (return) send information to the processing unit of the
computer. It tells the computer to accept data. It can also be used to
start a new line.
c) CTRL (control) is a control key and a short cut key. It can be combine
with other keys to perform a task.
d) SHIFT key has no effect on itself until another key is depressed.
e) ALT (alternate) key work in combination with another key to
produce an effect.
f) CAPS LOCK key is used to turn on the and off the cap light which
changes the appearance your text from capital to small and vice
versa.
g) PRT SCRN (print screen) is used to print everything on the screen or
the desktop/screen shot.it is activated by pressing Alt or Ctrl key and
print screen key.
h) INS (insert) used to insert a text, character and symbols in a
document.
i) DEL (delete) is used to delete one character at the cursor position.
3) CURSOR KEYS: These keys are used to control the cursor when typing a
document.
a) TAB key tab key depends on the software use.it is use to go around a
document.
b) HOME is use to return to the previous page.
c) END is used to go to the end of a particular page or number.
d) PG UP (page up) is use to scroll up, or go to a previous page.
e) PG DN (page down) is use to scroll down the document of a page, or
used to go down to a page.
f) ARROW KEYS are used to scroll up, down, right and left on a
document.
g) SCROLL LOCK: is use to turn on and off the scroll lock light.
4) NUMERIC KEYS: These are the number keys found on the computer
keyboard. E.g. 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.
5) ALPHABETIC KEYS: These includes the letters of the English alphabet
e.g. A-Z
CARE OF A COMPUTER KEYBOARD
1) Wire safely to prevent coiling.
2) Avoid spilling liquid on the keyboard.
3) Avoid eating while sitting on keyboard.
4) Soft key press.
5) Cover after Use.
6) Clean it properly.
7) Do not touch the keyboard with oily or wet hands.
In all, it can be concluded that keyboard is a robust input device of the
machine which should be handled with great care.
