Numeric keypad keys assume a dual role. The NumLock key is the toggle between numbers and cursor control. Key functions change each time NumLock is pressed. (The default on starting the computer is cursor control mode.) [Note: Can usually be changed via the BIOS setup.]

ScrollLock by itself has no function.

Enhanced Keyboard Differences

The original IBM-PC keyboard combined cursor control and number entry into a single keypad using the NumLock key to switch between functions. The far right section of the enhanced keyboard can function the same way but normally is left in number entry mode with the center section used for cursor control.

Cursor Control

This tutorial will describe the function of the center section of the keyboard. The information also applies to the right section if the NumLock key has been pressed (i.e., the NumLock light is OFF).

Some "clone" keyboards may have keys in somewhat different locations however the key names should be similar and their functions the same.

The center keys control cursor movement in most applications. These keys have little function in DOS.

The control described here is the most typical use for these keys. Since the keyboard is totally under software control, some programs may define them differently.

For cursor control some programs assign the following meanings:

• Home: Moves the cursor to the upper left corner of the screen.
• Arrows: Moves the cursor one character or line in the indicated direction.
• End: Moves the cursor to the end of a line, or sometimes to the bottom of the screen.
• Ins: Sets an insert mode so text enters at the cursor position and pushes existing text to the right.
• Del: Delete the character at the cursor position.
• PgUp/PgDn: Scrolls the screen display about 18 lines "up" so the cursor appears to move toward the start of the file, or "down" so the apparent motion is toward the bottom of a file.

PageUp/PageDown

These two keys often cause considerable confusion. Assume you have a file of text with the screen placed midway in the file. Pressing the PgUp or PgDn keys will usually have the indicated effect on the display.

 Miscellaneous Keys