In order to learn how to use a computer, knowing how to use the keyboard properly plays a fundamental role. The keyboard is the main tool with which you will be able to interact with your computer and allows you to perform a wide range of functions. You will need to master the art of keyboard typing, a skill that will allow you to increase your productivity. Read on to find out how to best use your computer keyboard.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Adopting the Correct Posture
Step 1. Sit in front of the computer in the correct way
To avoid straining your hands, back, neck, wrists and all other joints involved, you must sit in front of the computer in the correct posture. Sit on the chair leaning your back against the backrest so that it can support your lower back. In the ideal situation, the elbows should be slightly inclined downwards in order to promote blood circulation. The feet should be flat on the floor.
The spread of desks that allow you to work while standing is growing, but not all of them guarantee correct posture. If you choose to adopt such a desk, know that the worktop should be at elbow level or slightly below. The screen should be positioned at eye level, about 60cm away from your face, so that you can maintain an upright position without hunching your neck and back
Step 2. Place the keyboard in the center of the desk
When typing, the space bar on your computer keyboard should be centered on your body. This way you won't have to rotate your torso to reach all the buttons you need to press.
Step 3. Avoid resting your palms or wrists
When using the keyboard your hands should be completely detached from the work surface and floating above the keys. In this way you can reach the keys to be pressed simply by moving your hands, without having to stretch your fingers excessively. Placing your palms or wrists on the underside of the keyboard and straightening your fingers to reach the keys to press could eventually cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Step 4. Apply light pressure as you type
Most modern keyboards are extremely sensitive, so you don't need to use too much pressure to press the keys. Pressing the keys gently will prevent your fingers from getting tired and will increase the typing speed.
Type with your wrists straight. The rotation of the wrists causes an uncomfortable posture and in the long run will excessively strain the joints
Step 5. When you don't have to type, relax your hands
If you don't need to press the keys, focus on relaxing and resting your hands. Keeping them tense even when you don't have to type will only increase the stiffness and pain you'll feel when you have to actively use them.
Part 2 of 5: Learn to type
Step 1. Launch a text editor
Nowadays practically all computers on the market have a text editor integrated into the operating system. Even a basic program like Windows Notepad will do just fine. This way you can see what you type when you practice using the keyboard.
Step 2. Assume the basic position with your hands
This is the position your hands and fingers must have before you start typing and the position they will have to return to after pressing the keys you need. Most keyboards have an embossed element on the F and J keys. These are for you to know where your fingers are positioned relative to the keyboard.
- Arch your fingers slightly and place them on the keys next to the letters F and J.
- The left little finger should be placed above the A key, the left ring finger on the S key and the left middle finger on the D key.
- The right little finger must be on the ò key, the right ring finger on the L key and the right middle finger on the letter K.
- The thumbs must rest on the space bar.
Step 3. Practice by pressing the indicated keys
Press each of the keys that correspond to the basic position using the corresponding fingers. Memorize the key and the position on which each finger is placed with just a little practice. The sequence of the keys that occupy the basic position of the fingers will have to be imprinted in your memory, so practice is the essential and fundamental tool to achieve the goal.
Step 4. Use the "Shift" key to type capital letters
When you need to type a capital letter, hold down the "Shift" key while pressing the corresponding key. To hold down the ⇧ Shift key, use the little finger of the hand that doesn't have to press any other key, then use the appropriate finger of the other hand to press the key of the letter you want to capitalize.
Step 5. Use the keys that are close to those of the base position
Once you have become familiar with using the keys indicated for the basic position, you can start using the others as well. Use the same typing exercises you used earlier to memorize the position of the other keys on the keyboard. Remember to use your closest finger to reach each key.
By keeping your wrists raised you will be able to reach and press the keyboard keys with ease even in the case of the farthest ones
Step 6. Practice typing simple sentences
Now that you understand how to move your fingers on the keyboard to reach all the keys without having to look for them with your eyes, you can start typing text. Try transcribing a sentence or a short sentence while keeping your eyes on the screen and not the keyboard. The pangrams or pantograms, such as "Ma che bel owl hanging from those beams", are complete sentences that contain all the letters of the Italian alphabet and that allow you to train yourself in using all the keys on the keyboard (to also use the keys of the letters "J", "W", "X" and "K" you can use a pangram in English).
Step 7. Memorize the position of the keys corresponding to the punctuation symbols
Punctuation marks such as.,;,: And. they are located on the right side of the keyboard. You can reach the corresponding frets using your right little finger. To type some of the punctuation symbols, you will need to hold down the ⇧ Shift key while pressing the one corresponding to the sign you want to type.
The symbols are placed on the keys you will need to use to type the numbers listed at the top of the keyboard. Again, in order to type the symbol you need, you will need to hold down the ⇧ Shift key while pressing the corresponding number
Step 8. Focus on accuracy rather than speed
While typing fast may seem useful and efficient, you will lose all its benefits if you make a lot of typos. Speed will come with practice and practice, so focus your efforts on typing correctly without making mistakes. Over time you will acquire a fast typing speed without even realizing it.
Read this article for more information and tips on how to type
Step 9. Find a video game or program that trains your typing skills
There is a wide variety of programs and games for all ages whose purpose is to train you in using the keyboard through targeted exercises and mechanics. This will make the practical training part much more fun and you will be able to improve your accuracy and typing speed quickly and easily.
Part 3 of 5: Using the Directional and Scroll Keys
Step 1. Learn to use the directional arrows
The main directional keys of the keyboard are as follows: ↑, ↓, ← and →. You can use them within a text editor to move the cursor from line to line, while browsing the web to scroll through pages or within a video game to move your character. To press the arrow keys use your right hand.
Step 2. Quickly scroll through the pages of a document
To quickly scroll through a document or web page, use the Page Up and Page Down keys. If you are using a text editor, these keys will allow you to quickly move the text cursor from page to page. If you are browsing a web page, these buttons will allow you to scroll the pages up or down according to the size of the screen.
Step 3. Move to the beginning or end of a line
If you need to move the text cursor directly to the beginning or end of a line, you can use the ⇱ Home and End keys respectively. These keys are much more useful especially when using text editors.
Step 4. Understand the difference between the "Delete" and "Backspace" key
The ← Backspace key is used to delete the characters found on the left of the text cursor, while the Delete key is used to delete the characters found on the right.
If you are consulting a web page, pressing the ← Backspace key you can return to the previous page
Step 5. Use the "Insert" key to activate the text insertion mode
The ⌤ Ins key allows you to change the text typing mode in the editor in use. When the "Insert" mode is active, the typed text will overwrite the existing one on the right of the cursor. When "Insert" mode is not active the existing characters to the right of the text cursor will not be overwritten.
Part 4 of 5: Learning to Use the Numeric Keypad
Step 1. Start a program that emulates a calculator
Using this type of programs is the easiest and fastest way to master the use of the numeric keypad on the keyboard. You can use the latter to enter data into the calculator and perform various mathematical operations.
Step 2. Use the "Num Lock" key to activate the numeric keypad
When the numeric keypad is not active, the corresponding keys 8, 4, 6 and 2 perform the same function as the directional arrows on the keyboard. Press the Num Lock key to enable use of the numeric keypad.
Some laptops come with keyboards that do not have a separate numeric keypad. In these cases, you need to use the special Fn key to change the main function of some specific keyboard keys
Step 3. Assume the basic position
Just like with the main computer keyboard, there is a basic finger position for the numeric keypad that you will need to use to press individual keys. The 5 key on the keypad should have a raised element similar to the one on the F and J keys. Place your right middle finger on key 5, then place your right index finger on key 4. Now place your right ring finger on the 6 key and your thumb on the 0 key. The right little finger should be placed on the Enter key.
Step 4. Type the numbers
Use the fingers of your right hand to press the keys on the numeric keypad and enter the data you need to process. The numbers you enter will appear on the virtual calculator display. Again, train yourself to mentally memorize the position of all the keys and the correct finger to use to press them.
Step 5. Perform the calculations
Around the numeric keys of the keypad are those corresponding to basic mathematical operations. The / key allows you to divide, the * key to multiply, the - key to subtract and the + key to add. Use the keys shown to perform the calculations you need.
Part 5 of 5: Using the Hot Keys
Windows
Step 1. Use hotkey combinations
There are key combinations that allow you to perform some Windows functions quickly and easily. Using these key combinations is more functional and advantageous than using the mouse, since by not having to take your hand off the keyboard to reach the pointing device you will save time by being faster and more efficient. Hotkey combinations are very useful if you don't want to use the mouse to scroll through the program menus. The most common hotkey combinations are listed below:
- Alt + Tab ↹: allows you to switch from one program to another or from one open window to another;
- ⊞ Win + D: allows you to minimize or restore all open windows;
- Alt + F4: allows you to close the active window or program;
- Ctrl + C: allows you to copy the selected element or text;
- Ctrl + X: allows you to cut the selected element or text;
- Ctrl + V: allows you to paste the selected element or text;
- ⊞ Win + E: allows you to view the "File Explorer" window;
- ⊞ Win + F: opens the Windows search bar;
- ⊞ Win + R: allows you to open the "Run" dialog box;
- ⊞ Win + Pause: allows you to view the "System Properties" window;
- ⊞ Win + L: allows you to lock the computer;
- ⊞ Win: allows you to access the "Start" menu;
- ⊞ Win + L: allows you to change user accounts;
- ⊞ Win + P: allows you to change the active monitor;
- Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Escape: Opens the "Task Manager" system window.
Step 2. Use hotkey combinations within a text editor
Most programs come with a set of hotkeys. The combinations vary from program to program, but most text editors use some basic combinations. Here is a list of the most popular and used ones:
- Ctrl + A: allows you to select all the text of a document;
- Ctrl + B: allows you to apply the "Bold" style to the selected text;
- Ctrl + I: allows you to apply the "Italic" style to the selected text;
- Ctrl + S: allows you to save a document;
- Ctrl + P: allows you to print a document;
- Ctrl + E: allows you to align the text in the center of the page;
- Ctrl + Z: allows you to undo the last change made;
- Ctrl + N: allows you to create a new document;
- Ctrl + F: allows you to search for a word or phrase within the document.
Mac
Step 1. Use hotkey combinations
There are key combinations that allow you to perform certain functions of the Mac operating system quickly and easily. Using these key combinations is more functional and advantageous than using the mouse, since by not having to take your hand off the keyboard to reach the pointing device you will save time by being faster and more efficient. Hot key combinations are very useful if you don't want to use the mouse to scroll through the program menus. The most common hotkey combinations are listed below:
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + A: allows direct access to the "Applications" folder;
- ⌘ Cmd + C: allows you to copy the selected element or text to the clipboard;
- ⌘ Cmd + X: allows you to cut the selected element or text;
- ⌘ Cmd + V: allows you to paste the selected element or text;
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + C: opens the "Computer" window;
- ⌘ Cmd + D: allows you to duplicate the selected element;
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + D: allows you to access the "Desktop" folder;
- ⌘ Cmd + E: allows you to eject the selected disk or volume;
- ⌘ Cmd + F: allows you to start a Spotlight search in the Finder window or in a document;
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + F: allows you to search for files using Spotlight;
- ⌥ Option + ⌘ Cmd + F: allows you to move the cursor directly inside the already open Spotlight search bar;
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + G: opens the "Go" window;
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + H: allows you to access the "Home" folder of the user account in use;
- ⌥ Option + ⌘ Cmd + M: allows you to minimize all open windows;
- ⌘ Cmd + N: allows you to open a new Finder window;
- ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + N: allows you to create a new folder;
- ⌥ Option + ⌘ Cmd + Esc: opens the "Force Quit" window.
Step 2. Use hotkey combinations within a text editor
Most programs come with a set of hotkeys. The combinations vary from program to program, but most text editors use some basic combinations. Here is a list of the most popular and used ones:
- ⌘ Cmd + A: allows you to select all the text of a document;
- ⌘ Cmd + B: allows you to apply the "Bold" style to the selected text;
- ⌘ Cmd + I: allows you to apply the "Italic" style to the selected text;
- ⌘ Cmd + S: allows you to save a document;
- ⌘ Cmd + P: allows you to print a document;
- ⌘ Cmd + E: allows you to align the text in the center of the page;
- ⌘ Cmd + Z: allows you to undo the last modification made;
- ⌘ Cmd + N: allows you to create a new document;
- ⌘ Cmd + F: allows you to search for a word or phrase within the document.
