Input Devices - Upgrading and Repairing PCs - page 940

environment. Almost all 1998 and newer systems with USB ports include a chipset and
BIOS with USB Legacy (meaning USB Keyboard) support, although it might be disabled
by default in the system BIOS.
Even though USB Legacy support enables you to use a USB keyboard in almost all situ-
ations, don't scrap your standard-port keyboards just yet. If the system has PS/2 keyboard
and mouse ports, they may need to be used when running hardware diagnostics, flashing
the motherboard ROM BIOS, or troubleshooting USB keyboard and mouse issues. I've
alsohadtousePS/2keyboardsandmicewheninstallingolderWindowsversionsonnew-
er systems, due to the lack of proper support until the chipset USB drivers are installed. A
good PC tech always has PS/2 keyboards and mice on hand for testing.
If you have problems with USB keyboards and mice (USB Legacy support), look at these
possible solutions:
•Microsoft'sKnowledgeBase( http://support.microsoft.com )mighthaveanarticle that
addresses your problem.
• Your keyboard or mouse vendor might offer new drivers.
•YoursystemormotherboardmanufacturermighthaveaBIOSupgradeyoucaninstall.
• As a fallback, connect the keyboard to the PS/2 port with an adapter, or use a PS/2
keyboard and mouse until you resolve the problem.
See “ USB ,” p. 692 ( Chapter 14 ) .
Keyboards with Special Features
Several keyboards on the market have special features not found in standard designs.
These additional features range from simple things, such as built-in calculators, clocks,
and volume control, to more complicated features, such as integrated pointing devices,
special character layouts, power management keys, special shapes, internal lighting, and
even user-customizable or programmable keys.
Note
In 1936, August Dvorak patented a simplified character layout called the Dvorak Simplified
Keyboard(DSK).TheDvorakkeyboardwasdesignedtoreplacethecommonQWERTYlay-
out used on nearly all keyboards available today. The Dvorak keyboard was approved as an
ANSI standard in 1982 but has seen limited use.
Ergonomic Keyboards
A trend began in the late 1990s to change the shape of the keyboard instead of altering
the character layout. This trend has resulted in several so-called ergonomic designs. The