Key

F1-F12

Purpose

Perform special functions within application program (Some keys also function with MS-DOS. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information.)

Tab

 

Moves the cursor one table to the right in normal

 

 

mode (and one tab the left in shift mode when using

 

 

some application programs.)

Ctrl

 

Works with other key to perform special (control)

 

 

function, such as editing operations.

Shift

 

Produces uppercase characters or the top symbols

 

 

on the keys when used with the main character keys.

 

 

Produces lowercase characters when Caps Lock is

 

 

on.

 

Alt

 

Works with other keys to enter alternate character

 

 

codes or functions.

Backspace

Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the

 

 

character to the left of the cursor

Enter

 

Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a

 

 

command (may be called the Return key In some

 

 

application

program manuals).

Caps

Lock

Changes the letter keys from lower-to uppercase;

 

 

changes back to lowercase when pressed again.

 

 

The numeric/symbol keys on the top row of the

 

 

keyboard are not affected.

Esc

 

Cancels the current command line or operation in

 

 

MS-DOS. Esc can also have special uses in

 

 

application

programs.

Num

Lock

Changes the function of the keys on the

 

 

numeric/cursor keypad from numeric entry to cursor

 

 

positioning; changes back when pressed again.

Scroll

Lock

Controls scrolling in some application programs.

Break

 

When pressed with the Ctrl key (hold down Ctrl and

 

 

press Break), sends a break signal to the computer

 

 

to terminate

the current operation.

Using Your Computer 3-3