input devices [1]

Electronic devices used to transmit data and commands to a computer.

keyboard and pictograms

The keyboard contains a group of keys that correspond to characters and functions; the latter are represented by pictograms.

escape key

Key used to cancel a current operation or to exit a given situation.

function keys

Keys that control various programmed operations; they vary depending on the software used.

shift key

Key that produces the capital corresponding to a letter or the second character assigned to the key.

control key

Key that is used in combination with another key to execute a command on the keyboard without having to scroll down the menu.

alternate key

Key that is used in combination with another key to produce a character or to execute the function assigned to it.

space bar

Key that inserts a blank space between two words or characters.

alphanumeric keypad

Keys corresponding to letters, numbers, symbols and functions that are used to generate characters or control operations.

capitals lock key

Key that activates or deactivates the continuous keying of capital letters.

tabulation key

Key that moves the cursor to the field or tab stop following or preceding it.

start key

Key activating the Start menu (found only on Windows® operating systems).

indicator lights

Signal lights indicating activation of the capitals lock, numeric lock and scroll lock functions.

insert key

Key that activates or deactivates the overwrite mode; this allows existing characters to be replaced by new characters during data entry.

delete key

Key used to delete a selected item or the character immediately to the right of the cursor.

pause/break key

Key used to pause or stop the current operation.

scrolling lock key

Key used to activate or deactivate scroll mode; this allows the contents of a window to be moved horizontally and vertically using the arrow keys.

numeric keypad

Keys corresponding to numbers, mathematical operators and functions that are placed in a specific order to speed up numeric data entry.

cursor movement keys

Keys used to move the cursor around the screen.

enter key

Key used to confirm the execution of a command or, in the case of data entry, to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line.

backspace key

Key used to delete the character immediately to the left of the cursor.

enter key

Key used to confirm the execution of a command or, in the case of data entry, to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line.