2. Keyboard

The keyboard is the most common and widely used input device.

It is made up of buttons called 'keys'. The keys are arranged into sections:

• Alphabet keys
• Function or F keys (F1, F2, F3)
• Numeric keys (one set above the alphabet keys and a numeric keypad on the right)
• Arrow keys
• Command keys (insert, delete, home, end, page up/down)

Most keyboards are called 'QWERTY' keyboards. This name comes from the first six letters on the top row of the alphabet keys.

Using a keyboard for too long can lead to health problems such as repetitive strain injury (RSI). To try to overcome this, different styles of keyboard have been developed, for example, the ergonomic keyboard. They are supposed to put your hands into a much more natural position than a traditional keyboard