The special Windows keys were created to facilitate the access and use of the user when operating the computer. They have always existed, from the first version of Windows to the last. Learn how many versions of the operating system exist in the previous link. It is very easy to activate and deactivate them, but first let’s see what their main functions are.
Special key functions
Many people believe that these special key functions are useless or annoying since just pressing it activates its function and for others the special keys make their experience using the computer much easier. They all have a different function, let’s see some of them.
Alt (Alternate)
This modifies the operation of the alphanumeric keys (F1, F2 etc.) and function keys, thus allowing alternative characters and actions to be obtained different from those obtained with the other modifier keys. For example, if the combination or keyboard shortcut Alt + F4 is pressed, the active window is closed.
Enter
This special key allows you to enter data in an application, indicates that you have finished writing, activate some menu options, start the execution of programs or files. In general it works to transfer the user’s control of the computer.
Recoil
It works to delete or delete the character to the left of the insertion point, which then happens to be located where the deleted character was located.
Caps LOCK
It acts in combination with the keyboard lights located on the right side, turning them on or off each time it is pressed. If the light is off the alphabetic keys will appear in lower case and if it is on they will appear in upper case.
bloq NUM
The function of this key is to lock or unlock the functions of the numeric keys located in the right zone in the case of an expanded keyboard.
Shift (Uppercase)
There are two keys with similar functions, but this modifies the action of the alphanumeric keys when they are pressed at the same time. In the case of letters, it is used to write in capital letters (in case capital letters are not locked).
In the case of numbers and punctuation marks, if this key is pressed together with the numbers, the signs drawn on top of the numbers will appear. It also modifies the function keys. For example, pressing Shift + F10 will bring up the context menu for the selected object.
Alt Gr (Graphic Alternative)
It modifies the operation of some of the alphanumeric keys, thus allowing to obtain the special characters marked in the lower right part of the keys.
Ctrl
There are two keys that allow you to get additional characters when pressed simultaneously with alphanumeric keys. This also produces special actions when pressed simultaneously with the function keys.
For example, pressing Ctrl + W will close the current window, Ctrl + P activates the action of printing the active page or frame, and Ctrl + E activates the full selection of the active page. Other functions of Ctrl would be:
- Ctrl + G: Save.
- Ctrl + A: Open.
- Ctrl + C: Copy.
- Ctrl + V: Paste.
- Ctrl + X: Cut.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo.
- Ctrl + K: Italics.
- Ctrl + N: Bold letter.
- Ctrl + S: Underline
- Ctrl + Right Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
- Ctrl + Left Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
- Ctrl + Down Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
- Ctrl + Arrow Up: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
Also There are other types of commands that include the Ctrl key, in this case if we press three keys ctrl + Alt + Delete we tell the software or operating system to perform a certain task, such as logging in or interrupting a function.
How to enable or disable sticky keys?
It really is a fairly simple process, without many complications and very fast. To activate them you just have to press the Shift key 5 times in a row. A box will appear which will tell you if you want to activate or deactivate them.
Another way is also by control panel. Click the accessibility option, then Ease of Access Center, and then click Change keyboard behavior. In the special keys section you can activate or deactivate them in the “make the keyboard easier to read” box.
Without a doubt, these special keys make everything easier and faster. We hope this tutorial has been helpful to you.