COMPUTER INPUT DEVICES: KEYBOARD & MOUSE

KEYBOARD

This is a board that contains many which users can connect to the system unit to be able to enter words, numbers and special characters. It is an input device.

The most common type of keyword nowadays is the QWERTY keyboard (name obtained from the first six letters on it).

FEATURES OR STRUCTURES OF THE KEYBOARD

1. Function Keys: They are used for special operations such as F1 for help, F12 for save etc. they are keysf1 – f12.
2. Alphanumeric or Typing Keys: They are used for entering text (i.e. word and numbers for instance in letter typing) they are keys A-Z, 0-9 and special characters {e.g.,:,’’,>,<, }.
3. Numeric keys: They are located on the right side of a standard keyboard (not in all laptops) they are used for entering numbers and performing calculations. The NumLock must be turned on for them to work.
4. Command keys: These are keys used to give instructions to the computer e.g. home, delete, end space, backspace, and enter, and so on.
5. Combination keys: They are usually combined or joined to other keys before they can perform any functions examples of such keys ctrl, Alt and shift keys.

MOUSE

This is a pointing device which is used to instruct the computer in various ways. A mouse can be used to;

1. Click: To pick, select or highlight a single object, text or command.
2. Double Click: Click very fast (twice) on an icon or command.
3. Right Click: Click on an icon or command with the right button.
4. Pointing: Move your mouse pointer on an icon or a command.
5. Highlight: Click down on a text and drag over it from the beginning to the end.
6. Drag and Drop: Click down on an object, then move until you drop it at place you want it to be.

TYPE OF MOUSE

There are many types of mouse available in for the computer to use. Some of these types are;

2. MECHANICAL MOUSE: It has a rubber ball, which makes the pointer move on the screen.
3. OPTICAL OR LASER MOUSE: It uses light technology to control its pointer on the computer screen.
4. WIRELESS MOUSE: It usually sends control signals to the computer through wireless media such as Radio transmitter or Bluetooth and not wire.
5. ERGONOMIC MOUSE: It is specially designed to reduce wrist pain.

EVALUATION:

1. State two groups of keys on the keyboard and explain their function.
2. Highlight three uses of a mouse.
3. List three types of mouse and differentiate between them.