How to Use a Computer Mouse
A computer mouse is a pointing device used to interact with items on a computer
screen. It lets you move the pointer, select click, and drag objects.
Parts of a Standard Mouse
1. Left Button-Used for selecting and clicking.
2. Right Button-Used for opening context menus (right-click)
3. Scroll Wheel-Used to scroll up and down on pages.
4. Pointer (on screen) – Moves as you move the mouse.
Basic Mouse Functions and How to Use Them
Action How to do it What it does
Point Move the mouse to move Highlights/selects where
the cursor (pointer) action will take place
Click Press and release the left Selects an item or opens a
button once file/folder
Double Click Quickly press the left Opens a file, folder, or
button twice application
Right Click Press and release the Opens a shortcut menu
right button with more options
Scroll Roll the scroll wheel up or Moves up or down
down through a webpage or
document
Drag and Drop Click and Hold the left Moves or copies files,
button, move the mouse, resizes windows, etc.
then release
What is Computer Keyboard?
A computer keyboard is the main input device that almost all computers come with. It is
used to enter instructions into the computer by pressing the keys, which then send
the command to the processor. They can be used in all kinds of devices that use different
computer user interfaces from command, menu, and Graphic User Interface (GUI).
Parts of computer keyboard keys and their functions.
1. Functional keyboard keys: they range from F1 to F12 and they are found at the top of
the keyboard. They are used for specific functions, which are mostly programmed for them.
i.e. F1 is used for Help in the Window Operating system F5 is used for a refresh.
2. Numerical: they range from 0 to 9. They are used to key in numbers and if combined with
other keys they can be used to enter arithmetic signs. They are located on the right side of
the keyboard.
3. Alphanumerical: they range from A to Z and 0 to 9. They are located at the central part of
the keyboard with numbers being on the top line of them. They are used to key in numbers
and letters.
4. Space bar: it is the longest key on the keyboard and it is used to key in space. It is
located at the bottom line center.
5. Caps lock: it is used to change from capital letters (UPPERCASE) to small letters
(lowercase). By default it is in lowercase, to activate UPPERCASE you pressed the
button, and it lights.
6. Formatting keys: they are mostly found on the right side of the keyboard. They
include home, end, page up, page down, delete, etc. they are used to format
documents.
7. Special keys: they include shift, ctrl, and alt. they are used with a combination of
other keys to perform special functions which cannot be done by a single key press
e.g. ctrl + C for copying.
List of computer keyboard keys and their functions in Windows
Key Name Keyboard Key Function
F1 to F12 Functional keys are used for a specific function in different applications.
Includes numbers, alphabets, and special characters. To type special
ALPHANUMERIC
characters use a combination of SHIFT+key with character.
TAB Used to change the indent level when typing.
CAPS LOCK Switch from lowercase to uppercase
Use with a combination of other keys. They are also used to type special
SHIFT
characters.
Is used with a combination of other keys. Mostly for shortcuts. i.e
CTRL
CTRL+C to copy
Use with a combination of other keys. I.e CTRL+ALT+DELETE to switch
ALT
user accounts.
Used to open the start button. Can be used with others for special
WINDOW
operations.
ESC Escape key. It is used to stop action for some applications
Used to move cursor one character back. It can also be used to delete
BACKSPACE
characters on the left side of the cursor.
Used to move the next line of the document. Can also be used to accept a
ENTER
command.
DELETE Used to delete a character on the right side of the cursor.
They are directional keys. They help move or scroll up, down, left, and
ARROW KEYS
right
HOME Moves cursor to the start of typing line
END Move the cursor to the end of the line
Used to activate overtype mode. when active it overwrites the text on the
INSERT
right side of the cursor
PrtScn Used to screen capture the current display on the screen into a picture
PAGE UP Moves page up
PAGE DOWN Moves page down
Not all keyboard has separate number keys. They are used to enter
NUMBERS
numeric values and come with arithmetic signs
Typing a space. Can be used for other special functions in other
SPACEBAR
applications like pausing a video in a media player
What is Proper Computer Keyboarding?
Proper computer keyboarding refers to the correct and efficient way of using a keyboard to
type. It involves using the right posture, finger placement, and typing techniques to type
accurately and quickly while minimizing fatigue or injury.
Key Elements of Proper Keyboarding:
1. Correct Posture
• Sit up straight, back against the chair.
• Feet flat on the floor.
• Elbows bent at about 90 degrees.
• Wrists straight and not resting on the keyboard.
2. Home Row Position
• Place your fingers on the home row keys:
• Left hand: A - S - D - F
• Right hand: J - K - L - ;
• Thumbs rest on the spacebar
3. Finger Placement and Movements
• Use the correct finger for each key.
• Return fingers to the home row after each keystroke.
• Avoid looking at the keyboard (develop touch typing skills).
4. Eyes on the Screen
• Look at the monitor, not the keyboard.
• This helps improve speed and accuracy over time.
5. Typing with All Fingers
• Don’t “hunt and peck” (using only two fingers).
• Use all ten fingers for balanced and efficient typing.
Why is Proper Keyboarding Important?
• Increases typing speed and accuracy
• Reduces physical strain (e.g., hand and wrist pain)
• Helps with productivity in school and office work
• Builds confidence in using computers efficiently
