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SOME IMPORTANT KEYS
Let us learn about some important keys in detail:
Home Row Keys
It is the middle row of alphabets on the electronic typewriter or a computer keypad where the fingers of both hands
rest when not typing anything. In the QWERTY layout, the left-hand fingers rest on A, S, D, F and the right-hand fingers
rest on J, K, L, ; (semicolon). For both hands, the thumb rests on the spacebar key. With little movement of the hand,
the keys around the fingers can easily be accessed, thus increasing the speed of typing.
Guide Keys
On a computer keyboard, keys ‘F’ and ‘J’ have a small raised tangible mark as an identifier for the touch typist, so that
he can place his fingers on the home row keys correctly. These two keys are called the guide keys for the left and the
right hands, respectively.
Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad consists of a set of 17 keys placed on the right corner of a computer keyboard. These are numbers
from 0 to 9, addition (+), subtraction (–), multiplication (*) and division (/) symbols, a decimal point (.) and Num Lock
and Enter keys.
If the Num Lock key is OFF, then the alternate function of the keys can be used, like all four direction arrow keys, Home,
End, Page Down, Page Up, Insert, and Delete.
If the Num Lock is ON, then it can be used as a basic calculator. The home row of our right hand on the numeric keypad
is 4, 5, 6, and Enter. Using a numeric keypad, it is easier for typing numbers and doing mathematical operations on
them as compared to the top row of the numbers. We can also use a Numeric Keypad when we are required to input
huge amounts of data consisting of only numbers and figures, with lots of calculations.
Using Numeric Keypad Number Row
Efficient use of a numeric keypad is essential for numeric data entry. The keypad features four (Right Hand)
columns and five rows, with the row containing the keys 4, 5, 6, and + referred to as the Home
Row. This row is the starting point for touch typists. The number 5 key, marked with a small
raised bump, serves as a guide for finger placement on other keys. The '0' key is pressed using
the right-hand thumb. Practicing on a calculator keyboard can also help improve numeric keypad
proficiency.
202 Trackpad Information Technology (Ver. 1.0)-IX

