Computer Keyboard
As mentioned earlier, in an effort to create speed and efficiency in the typing process, typing keyboards have become standardized over the years. Consider the vast amount of information available in books, libraries and on the internet. All of that information has been hand typed by an army of skilled typists.
Standardized computer keyboards have allowed a mechanization of the typing process resulting in incredible advances in typing speed and efficiency.
A computer keyboard may seem like a simple and relatively unimportant tool, but the reality is that the keyboard interface has allowed information to be created and replicated in a way that has transformed the world. Think about it. What would a computer be without a keyboard? Certainly, the mouse and other innovations have reduced keystrokes. But there is simply no shortcut to entering vast quantities of raw information into a computer system. And like it or not, virtually every sentence, every word, every syllable, and every letter has had to be pounded out by a typist. It turns out that the lowly keyboard is one of the most important tools mankind has ever devised.
The standard keyboard arrangement in Western countries is referred to as QWERTY. Take a look at the top row of letters on the diagram below - moving from left to right - and you will understand why. All keyboards have a common placement of letters to ensure that any skilled typist can move seamlessly from one keyboard to another without losing anything in productivity. The current computer keyboard configuration may not seem all that intuitive at first glance, but it is elegantly designed to result in maximum speed typing efficiency.
The number of keys on a keyboard generally varies from the standard 101 keys to the 104 windows keyboards all the way up to 130 keys with many programmable keys. The computer keyboard keys include numbers, letters, symbols and a variety of command keys.
Standard Computer Keyboard Arrangement
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