Maxfort School Paschim Vihar

Section-B (Ch-2)
Keyboard Operations

Q1. Who invented the keyboard of Typewriter?

Ans- The keyboard layout of the typewriter, known as the QWERTY layout, was invented
by Christopher Latham Sholes in the 1870s.

Q2. What is a Standard/Universal keyboard?

Ans- Standard or Universal keyboard refers to a keyboard layout that is widely used and
recognized across different devices and operating systems. It typically adheres to the
following characteristics:

1. QWERTY Layout: Most standard keyboards use the QWERTY layout, which
arranges letters in a specific sequence to optimize typing efficiency.
2. Basic Keys: Includes standard keys such as letters, numbers, punctuation marks,
function keys (F1-F12), and control keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift).
3. Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices, including
computers, laptops, and some mobile devices, with standardized input methods.
4. Additional Keys: May include additional keys like the Windows key, arrow keys, and
navigation keys (Home, End, Page Up, Page Down).

Q3. Define character keys & adjustments keys on the keyboard?

Ans- Character Keys and Adjustment Keys are two categories of keys on a keyboard, each
serving distinct functions:

Character Keys:

 Definition: These keys are used to input letters, numbers, and symbols into a
computer or typewriter.
 Types:
o Alphabet Keys: Include letters A-Z.
o Numeric Keys: Include numbers 0-9, typically found in a separate numeric
keypad or integrated into the main keyboard area.
o Punctuation and Symbol Keys: Include keys for symbols like !, @, #, $, etc.,
often accessed by combining with Shift or Alt keys.

Adjustment Keys:

 Definition: These keys are used to modify the behavior or input of the character keys
or perform special functions.
 Types:
o Shift: Used to type capital letters or alternate characters on the keys.
 o Ctrl (Control): Used in combination with other keys to perform shortcuts or
special commands (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy).
o Alt (Alternate): Used in combination with other keys to access alternative
functions or shortcuts.
o Caps Lock: Toggles the input of uppercase letters without holding the Shift
key.
o Tab: Moves the cursor to the next tab stop or indent level.
o Enter/Return: Executes commands or inputs, such as starting a new line or
submitting data.
o Backspace: Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
o Delete: Deletes the character to the right of the cursor or removes selected
items.

Q4. Why now a days, the keyboard is called a QWERTY keyboard?

Ans- The keyboard is called a QWERTY keyboard because of the specific arrangement of the first six
letters (Q, W, E, R, T, Y) on the top row of the keyboard. This layout was developed by Christopher
Latham Sholes in the 1870s and became the standard for typewriters and, later, computer keyboards.

Q5. Explain the different methods of operating the keyboard.

Ans- Different methods of operating a keyboard include:

a. Typing:

 Description: The primary method, where users press keys to input letters, numbers,
and symbols.
 Usage: For composing text, coding, data entry, etc.

b. Shortcut Commands:

 Description: Uses combinations of keys (e.g., Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste) to
execute commands or perform tasks more efficiently.
 Usage: To streamline repetitive tasks and enhance productivity.

c. Key Combinations:

 Description: Involves pressing multiple keys simultaneously or sequentially to

perform specific functions (e.g., Alt + Tab to switch between applications).
 Usage: For accessing system functions, special characters, or application features.

d. Function Keys:

 Description: Dedicated keys labeled F1 through F12, often used in combination with
other keys or on their own to execute predefined commands or shortcuts.
 Usage: For quick access to functions like help menus, saving files, or adjusting
settings.

e. Touch Typing:
  Description: Typing without looking at the keyboard by relying on muscle memory to
find keys.
 Usage: To increase typing speed and efficiency.

f. On-Screen Keyboards:

 Description: Virtual keyboards displayed on a screen, often used with touchscreens or

in environments where physical keyboards are impractical.
 Usage: For devices like tablets and smartphones or as an accessibility tool.

Q6. Why touch system is superior to the sight system?

Ans- The touch typing system is generally considered superior to the sight typing system
for several reasons:

a. Increased Speed:

 Touch Typing: Enables faster typing as it relies on muscle memory, allowing typists
to maintain a high speed without having to look at the keyboard.
 Sight Typing: Typically slower because it requires the typist to look at the keyboard
to find the correct keys.

b. Greater Accuracy:

 Touch Typing: Reduces errors as typists can focus on the screen and context of the
text rather than searching for keys.
 Sight Typing: More prone to errors due to the distraction of looking down at the
keyboard and then back up at the screen.

c. Enhanced Productivity:

 Touch Typing: Allows for more efficient and fluid typing, leading to increased
productivity and quicker completion of tasks.
 Sight Typing: Can interrupt the flow of typing, leading to slower task completion.

d. Better Focus:

 Touch Typing: Enables typists to concentrate on the content they are typing,
improving overall quality and coherence of the text.
 Sight Typing: Diverts focus between the keyboard and the screen, which can disrupt
the flow of thought and concentration.

Q7. Explain what should be the sitting posture of the typist.

Ans- Proper sitting posture is crucial for typists to maintain comfort and prevent strain or
injury during extended periods of typing. Here’s what the ideal sitting posture should
include:
a. Chair Height:

 Adjustable: Ensure your chair is adjusted so that your feet are flat on the floor, with
your knees at a 90-degree angle or slightly obtuse.
 Support: The chair should provide lumbar support for your lower back to maintain the
natural curve of your spine.

b. Desk Height:

 Level: Your desk should be at a height where your elbows are at a 90-degree angle or
slightly obtuse when typing, with your wrists in a neutral position.
 Comfort: Your arms should be able to rest comfortably on the desk without elevating
your shoulders.

c. Keyboard Position:

 Level: The keyboard should be positioned so that your elbows are close to your body
and form an angle between 90 and 100 degrees.
 Tilt: It should be at a height where your wrists are straight, avoiding excessive
bending. If the keyboard has a tilt, it should be adjusted to minimize wrist strain.

d. Posture:

 Back: Sit back in your chair with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Avoid
slouching or leaning forward.
 Feet: Keep your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Your legs should be uncrossed
and positioned comfortably.

e. Wrist and Hand Position:

 Neutral: Keep your wrists in a neutral position, not bent up or down, while typing.
Use a wrist rest if necessary.
 Floating: Hands should float above the keyboard, with fingers curved naturally over
the keys.

Q8. Name the Home keys.

Ans- The home keys on a keyboard are the central keys from which the fingers rest and
return to while typing. In the standard QWERTY layout, the home keys for the left and right
hands are:

 Left Hand Home Keys:

o A
o S
o D
o F
o (Left Pinky rests on the "A" key, the Ring finger on "S", the Middle finger on
"D", and the Index finger on "F")
 Right Hand Home Keys:
 o J
o K
o L
o ; (Semicolon)
o (Right Index finger rests on "J", the Middle finger on "K", the Ring finger on
"L", and the Pinky on the ";" key)

Q9. Difference between the horizontal and vertical approach to typing.

Ans- The horizontal and vertical approaches to typing refer to different techniques and
layouts used in typing:

Horizontal Approach:

a. Description:
o Typists move their fingers horizontally across the keyboard to access different
keys.
o The most common typing technique involves this approach, where fingers
primarily move left and right on the home row and surrounding rows.
b. Examples:
o QWERTY Keyboard: In the standard layout, fingers move horizontally across
the rows to type different letters and symbols.
o Typing Method: Touch typing involves fingers moving horizontally to reach
keys without looking, relying on muscle memory.
c. Advantages:
o Efficiency: Allows for smooth and fast typing as fingers move along the rows
of keys.
o Consistency: Easier to learn and master due to the uniform layout of keys in
rows.
o Common Usage: Widely used in most keyboard layouts and typing methods.

Vertical Approach:

a. Description:
o Typists move their fingers vertically up and down to access different keys.
o This approach is less common but can be seen in specific typing methods or
devices.
b. Examples:
o Vertical Keyboards: Some ergonomic keyboards have keys arranged vertically
to reduce wrist strain.
o Typing Method: Certain alternative or ergonomic typing methods may involve
vertical finger movements.
c. Advantages:
o Ergonomics: Vertical key arrangements can reduce wrist and arm strain,
promoting a more natural hand position.
o Specialized Usage: Useful for specific ergonomic designs or specialized
keyboards.
Q10. Name the row on which the fingers should always hover upon before typing.

Ans- The row on which the fingers should always hover before typing is called the Home
Row. On a standard QWERTY keyboard, the Home Row consists of the following keys:

 Left Hand: A, S, D, F
 Right Hand: J, K, L, ; (Semicolon)

Q11. Explain the use of backspace key.

Ans- The Backspace key is used to delete text or other characters that are to the left of the
cursor or insertion point.