Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
The cursor-control keys are arranged in the inverted T format that is now expected on all
computer keyboards. The Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys, loc-
ated above the dedicated cursor-control keys, are separate from the numeric keypad. The
function keys, spaced in groups of four, are located across the top of the keyboard. The
keyboard also has two additional function keys: F11 and F12. The Esc key is isolated in
the upper-left corner of the keyboard. In addition, dedicated Print Screen/Sys Req, Scroll
Lock, and Pause/Break keys are provided for commonly used functions.
Foreign-language versions of the Enhanced keyboard include 102 keys and a slightly dif-
ferent layout from the 101-key U.S. versions.
One of the many useful features of the IBM/Lexmark enhanced keyboard (now manufac-
tured by Unicomp) is removable keycaps. This permits the replacement of broken keys
and provides access for easier cleaning. Also, with clear keycaps and paper inserts, you
cancustomizethekeyboard.Keyboardtemplatesarealsoavailabletoprovidespecificop-
erator instructions.
104-Key (Windows) Keyboard
WhenMicrosoftreleasedWindows95,italsointroducedtheMicrosoftNaturalKeyboard,
which implemented a revised keyboard specification that added three new Windows-spe-
cific keys to the keyboard.
The Microsoft Windows keyboard specification, which has since become standard for
many desktop and laptop keyboards, outlines a set of additional keys and key combina-
tions. The 104-key layout includes left and right Windows keys and an Application key
(see
Figure 15.1
)
. These keys are used for operating system (OS) and application-level
keyboard combinations, similar to the existing Ctrl and Alt combinations. You don't need
these keys to use Windows, but many software vendors have added specific functions to
theirWindowsproductsthatusetheApplicationkey(whichprovidesthesamefunctional-
ityasclickingtherightmousebutton).TherecommendedWindowskeyboardlayoutcalls
for the left and right Windows keys (called WIN keys) to flank the Alt keys on each side
of the spacebar, as well as an Application key on the right of the right Windows key. Note
that the exact placement of these keys is up to the keyboard designer, so variations exist
from keyboard to keyboard.
Figure 15.1
The 104-key Windows keyboard layout.
