Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
What the Keys Do
General Functions
Alternate (Alt) - used with other keys to perform special functions defined by the application you are using. While holding down the Alt key, press the other key.
Caps Lock - toggles on and off making the typewriter letter keys appear in uppercase.
Control (Ctrl) - used with other keys to perform special functions defined by the application you are using. While holding down the Ctrl key, press the other key. Delete (Del) - deletes the character to the right of the insertion point.
Enter - tells the computer you’re done typing and want it to execute your command. Some people call this the Return key. Also used as a paragraph return key when typing. Escape (Esc) - generally allows you to escape a function without completing it. Function Keys (F1 through F12) - the purpose of the function keys depends on the application you are using.
Insert - toggles between insert and overtype mode. In insert mode, whatever you type pushes any existing characters to the right, “downstream.” In overtype mode, new characters simply overwrite existing characters, deleting them as you go.
Pause - typically suspends the application you are using. Not all applications use the Pause key.
Print Screen - typically prints out the current screen on the printer. Sometimes used with the Ctrl key. Some applications disable this function or require special drivers to work properly with this key.
Scroll Lock - defined by the application software you are using. Not all applications use the Scroll Lock key.
Shift - shifts the typewriter keys from lower to upper case or from the lower symbol to the upper symbol on the key.
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