keyboard orientation

Keyboard Orientation

If you know all the keys already, then enter on the next link to skip this section. Learning about Keystroke commands

The following lessons are based on the general concept of the 108 standard IBM compatible keyboard on a desktop computer. This lesson does not cover laptop computers; however, if the student understands what the JAWS key is before beginning, he/she will be able to follow the lessons as follows. You may not know what a 108 IBM compatible keyboard is; but, after listening to this orientation you will know if yours is the same or not.

 

The best way to look at a keyboard is by dividing it into five sections. Each section is separated by, at least a finger widths gap, separating it from the other sections.

 

The typing keypad

This section of keys are the largest group of keys on the keyboard. They are located on the lower left two thirds of the keyboard and all but the top row. There is approximately 61 keys in this section. This is the regular typing keys as is on a typewriter. If you know how to type, then you will already be familiar with this section accept for the bottom row of keys. If you are not sure of all the keys, then enter on the link below and it will take you to the page that describes all the keys and their location. Typing keys.

Function Keys

The function keys are the keys located at the top of the keyboard. They are positioned in a single row across the top and they are primarily sectioned into groups of four.

Enter on the link below to take you to the page that describes the function keys. Function keys

Number Pad

The number pad is the section of keys located to the extreme right of your keyboard. These keys can be switched back and forth from a curser pad or a number pad. They are more commonly known as the number pad. Enter on the next link to take you to the page about the keys on the number pad. Number Pad

Curser and Six pack of keys

The last section of keys are the Application curser keys and the extra utility keys in a group of six called the six pack. If you want to learn about the location and use of these keys, enter on the next link to learn about the curser keys and the six pack of keys. Curser and six pack

 

Keyboard Help Mode

If you want to get familiar with learning the keyboard before you begin the lessons, you can activate the JAWS keyboard help mode with the following command.

"JAWS key 1"

To do this, press and hold down the bottom left key on the number-pad, which is the zero key, and tap the number 1 above the letter Q. Repeat this command if you want to turn the mode off and return to your normal keyboard.

Please, please, please! You must remember to turn it back off or you will not be able to turn your computer off properly or even return back to this page to continue with this lesson.

 

Now you will also need to know how to complete a command. If you already know the keyboard and wish to move on the next lesson, The next page will help you understand how to use commands to get the computer to perform what you want. Press enter on the next link to move to that page. Working with Commands

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