The typewriter section contains all the keys that are normally found on a typewriter. This includes alphabetic, number, punctuation, shift and ENTER keys.

The cursor control section contains keys that allow you to move the cursor around the screen. This includes arrow, home, insert, delete, page up, and page down keys.

The numeric keypad section is arranged like the keys on an adding machine. If you have been trained to ten key you can type numbers in very fast by touch. This keypad will also double as cursor control keys.

If you press the Num Lock the keypad will type numbers. If you press the Num Lock key again the keypad will act like cursor control keys. This key is called toggle key because it toggles the numeric keypad between typing numbers, and acting like cursor control keys.

The function key section contains function keys. These are special purpose keys that are programmed to perform specific tasks. The application software you are running determines the purpose of these keys.

The three status lights indicate if any of your toggle keys are on. This includes the Num, Caps, and Scroll Lock keys. The Num Lock key was discussed above. The Caps Lock key, if pressed, will cause all the letter keys to produce capital letters.

The PrtSc key will usually print a screen full of information on your printer. This works in DOS but not in MS Windows. The Pause key will cause output to pause. This is another key that works in DOS, but not MS Windows.

The CTRL and ALT keys are essentially extra "shift" keys. For example, when you hold the SHIFT key down and type the letter "a" you get a capital "A." The shift key changed what the "a" key typed. The CTRL and ALT keys do the same thing. But the software you are running determines this.

The ESC key is used by most software to exit from a particular situation, or cancel an instruction.

Finally, pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL key all at once, will reboot your PC. This is the same as pressing the reset switch on your PC.