Keyboard sizes and formats (ANSI, ISO) – GeekBoards. Why is the numeric keypad used on an extended PC keyboard?
The number pad is located on the right side of the keyboard, but on some models it is missing. It contains numbers as well as symbols that are used in the calculator (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
What is Numeric keypad
Numeric keypad, Numpad or numeric keypad is a section on the keyboard, located on the right and used for more quick input numbers right hand and for special characters. It should be noted that the numbers are in the opposite order than on the phone keypad. In the so-called stripped down (compact) and in some game versions digital block missing to reduce size.
The number pad is on the right side of the keyboard
How to enable numbers on the right side of the keyboard
The number pad is disabled by default. The methods for activating it differ for PCs and laptops.
Activating the numeric keypad using keys
To use the number pad on a desktop computer, press Num Lk (or NumLock). NumLock (literally translated from English as “fixing numbers”) is a key for switching and locking the numeric register.
The location of this button may vary. Most often it is located on the right, in the same block as the numbers, immediately above them. After pressing, the indicator light will light up, indicating that the numeric keypad is ready for use.
On a laptop, the numeric keypad - if it has one - is also turned on by the NumLock key. If it is not on the keyboard, hold down the key combination Fn+F11: when you press keys that have number icons, highlighted in a different color or surrounded by a frame, numbers will be displayed.
The NumLock key is located above the number block on the keyboard
How to configure the numeric keypad to automatically launch when the system starts
Numeric Pad can also be configured to automatically turn on when the system starts:
In the “Change string parameter” window that opens, enter 2 in the “Value” field and click OKVideo: Configuring NumLock to automatically turn on when the system boots
Possible problems and solutions
Under certain circumstances, even something as simple as activating the numeric keypad can cause some problems.
NumLock key is pressed, but NumPad still doesn't work
There are situations when NumLock is pressed, but the digital pad still does not work. This error does not appear very often, but can occur if the "Control the pointer from the keyboard" option is enabled.
To resolve the issue, follow these steps:
Keyboard prints numbers instead of letters
As already mentioned, the alphabetic part of the keyboard prints numbers instead of letters when you press Fn+F11. To disable this feature, press Fn+F11 again.
The laptop does not have a NumLock key, and the Fn+F11 key combination performs a different task
If the Fn+F11 key combination does not result in the desired result, turning on or off the numeric keypad will help you solve most problems standard utility"Screen keyboard".
This program displays current status your keyboard on the monitor screen. To start it on-screen keyboard, do the following:
From the Start menu in right column select "Control Panel"
Set viewing mode and select Accessibility
In the window that opens, click “Enable on-screen keyboard”
For advanced settings, click on the “Options” buttonThe indicator light does not light up after pressing the NumLock button
There is a possibility that the keyboard is faulty. Connect another keyboard and try again. If the button still does not light up, the problem may be missing or unupdated drivers.
The buttons on the wireless keyboard do not work
If the buttons on the wireless keyboard, this means that the keyboard driver is not installed on your computer or it is not connected correctly. The problem may also be a low battery in the keyboard.
If everything is fine with the connection and power supply, update the driver. To do this, go to the device manager, select the keyboard in the list, right-click on it and in the “Driver” section select “Update”. Follow the program's instructions.
Numeric keypad doesn't work in Linux
IN Ubuntu buttons on Numpad are used in combination with Ctrl keys+Alt to control active windows. The Shift+NumLock key combination disables mouse emulation, after which you can use the number pad.
How to type characters that are not on the keyboard
We have all at least once wondered how to print, for example, an original emoticon or make the folder name invisible. There are tables with which you can learn to print additional characters. Such characters are called “special”, and the commands themselves are Alt codes and are designated as Alt+X, where X is the number in decimal system Reckoning.
Using numeric keypad While holding down the Alt button, you can type characters such as:
- © (Alt+0169);
- (Alt+3);
- ☼ (Alt+15);
- ☺ (Alt+1);
- ♪ (Alt+13);
- and also write an invisible folder name (Alt+0160).
Video: How to type characters that are not on the keyboard
Numeric keypad with USB
If your laptop does not have a Numpad, and the on-screen keyboard is inconvenient to use, you can connect a number pad separately. It looks like a mini keyboard with a cord. The removable numeric keyboard connects to the computer via a USB interface and does not require additional food and drivers. 
Removable numeric keyboard connects to a computer or laptop via a USB connector
The number pad - if it is not on the right side of the keyboard - for most laptops is turned on by the key combination Fn + F11. It is used to enter special characters and by those users who are used to typing digital values with their right hand. If you don’t want to constantly switch between numeric and alphabetic modes, you can purchase a separate numeric keyboard that connects via a USB port.
Keyboard sizes and formats (ANSI, ISO)
The keyboard format is its size, number and arrangement of keys (layout). The vast majority of keyboards use either the American ANSI layout,or European ISO. It would seem that the difference between them is not very big, but even these small differences can cause real pain when you are working on a different layout than you are used to.
Differences between ANSI and ISO formats
Enter
In ANSI it is elongated, in ISO it is tall, in two rows.
Shift
In ANSI both shifts are long, in ISO the left Shift is short.
Backslash
in ANSI it is slightly longer than the standard key and is placed above the Enter key. In ISO, the backslash is short, located next to the left Shift. And next to Enter there can be either a second backslash or another key, for example a tilde.
Alt
In ANSI, both Alts have equivalent functions, and in ISO, the right one is designated Alt Gr and is used to enter additional characters from extended European language layouts.
Classic ANSI and ISO keyboard formats (104-109 keys, 100%)
Classic keyboards format contain 104 keys (ANSI) or 105 (ISO), but many models deviate from this standard. Developers are following two paths: reducing the number of keys and placing them more densely in compact models and the introduction of additional dedicated keys in multi-function models.
The 104/105-key standard is quite convenient, but it leaves empty place above the number pad. Some people put the manufacturer's logo there, but often they put several useful ones there. additional keys to control multimedia functions or to launch frequently used applications. There are already 108 or 109 keys in total, while the keyboard does not increase in size relative to the standard one. 
Mechanical keyboard Das Keyboard 4 Professional. 104 main keys + 6 additional media keys (ANSI).
Macro keyboards
Macro keyboards are mainly aimed at application in computer games. They place to the left of the main block of keys additional block for recording and playing keyboard sequences - macros. Due to this, they are noticeably wider than the classic ones. Useful not only for gamers, but also for programmers, and for anyone who has to waste time entering the same text structures.
Mechanical Logitech keyboard G11 (ISO).
Keyboards without number pad (tenkeyless, 80%)
Short tenkeyless keyboards contain 87 keys (80%) do not have a digital block, otherwise they are similar to the classic ones. If you don't have to type large number sequences, you don’t need this block, but without it, a lot of space is freed up to the right of the keyboard, and it becomes much more comfortable for your hand and mouse.
Mechanical keyboard Leopold FC750R Tenkeyless. 87 main keys + 3 additional (ANSI).
Keyboards 75%
75% - a slightly more compact format. Not only do they not have a number pad, the other keys are located tightly, without free space- arrows and system commands (ScrLock, NumLock, Pause/Break) are embedded in the main block. There is even more space for the mouse, but it is less convenient to work with than in the shortened format.
Mechanical keyboard Vortex Race II. 75% (ANSI).
Keyboards 60%
60% - compact keyboards. They do not have function keys F1-F12, the number pad is cut off, the arrows and the block are removed system commands. All this has been replaced by combinations of presses. Mostly portable, wearable keyboards are produced in this format.
Leopold FC660C mechanical keyboard with Topre switches. 60% (ANSI).
Keyboards 40%
40% - super compact format, for real hackers. It also doesn't have a top row of number keys. To enter numbers you need to hold down Fn, or switch to special layout, where instead of letters there are numbers and various special characters. This format is used exclusively for ultraportable keyboards, and is popular among the most severe geeks.
Ergonomic keyboards
Ergonomic keyboardsdesigned to make long hours of work at the computer easier by ensuring natural hand positions when typing. Look at how your hands lie on a regular keyboard - your hands are constantly at an angle to your forearms. This is not helpful and can lead to very painful carpal tunnel syndrome. To combat this phenomenon, developers of ergonomic keyboards make a break in the middle of the main block of keys, or divide it into two spaced apart and inclined parts. 
Ergonomic mechanical keyboard Kinesis Advantage 2.
Separate keyboards
Separate keyboards - further development ideas for ergonomic keyboards. They are divided into independent two parts approximately equally so that each hand rests on its own half and presses only its own keys. The independence of the two halves gives a completely free hand position when typing. 
Ergonomic mechanical keyboard ErgoDox.
Keypads
Keypads- specialized mini-keyboards designed for use in games, where various commands can be given not through the menu, but directly by assigning them to the keys. All keys on the keypads are programmable and are located within reach of the fingers of one hand. In many games, a keypad allows you to do without the main keyboard; in others, it is a useful addition to it. 
Logitech G13 Keypad.
The keyboard has a lot useful functions, which can significantly speed up the execution of a number of routine actions. Therefore, I invite you to learn about its secrets.
Great invention - PC mouse! If you use your PC only for simple web surfing and playing solitaire, then you don’t need more. However, if there is a need not only to press buttons on the screen, but also to enter at least the same search queries in the browser, then one mouse is not enough. And we move towards us a large “board with buttons” (that’s what it’s called in literal translation from English “keyboard”) - a keyboard...
The keyboard appeared at the dawn of global computerization and for a long time remained the only means of human interaction with a computer. At first it was used as an analogue of a conventional typewriter and actually duplicated its set of buttons. However, with the development of technology, other additional keys gradually began to be added, which made it possible to perform one or another typical task in one press.
As a result, the keyboard came to you and me in its current form with a whole bunch“extra” buttons (101 or more in total) and functions hidden behind them. Therefore, I would like to devote today’s article to a more in-depth study of such a familiar keyboard.
Types of keyboards
Keyboards can be classified according to different criteria. For example, by connection type modern keyboards can be wired(for USB or PS/2 socket) or wireless(connect via Bluetooth (possibly another radio channel) or infrared). By internal structure mechanical(use full-fledged mechanical keys on springs and printed circuit board for the location of contact tracks), semi-mechanical(the keys themselves are without mechanics, but the contacts are soldered on the circuit board) and membrane(contact tracks are laid out on a special flexible membrane).
However, these are all differences that are not noticeable at first glance. Much more often, users pay attention to external differences. And here for last years there was quite a lot of variety various models keyboards So large that you can even divide them into specific types!
Traditional keyboards
These are the most common classic rectangular keyboards with more than 101 keys. Typically, such keyboards are of a single color with inscriptions in a contrasting color printed on the keys (layout - QWERTY). They have a side block with number keys (popularly called a “calculator”) and a top row of function keys (F1 to F12). Nothing more unnecessary:
Multimedia keyboards
In fact it's regular keyboards, but with additional keys, switches and/or verniers (“knobs”) to control typical multimedia functions (playing music, adjusting the volume, controlling the browser, etc.). Due to the need to accommodate new controls, such keyboards usually have slightly larger dimensions than traditional ones:
Gaming keyboards
Like multimedia, gaming keyboards have a number of additional keys in their arsenal. However, most often, such keys are programmable. Using special software, the user can independently specify the execution of a particular function (or even an entire script) for the desired button. In addition, such keyboards may also have own display or even a touch screen to display various data and additional controls:
Unlike the others, in this class The main thing about keyboards is small size. It is important that they can easily fit into an average bag and take with you on the road. For this reason, in such keyboards they either reduce the physical size of the keys or reduce their number (usually to 83-84 buttons) by “cutting off” the side number pad.
In addition, portability can be achieved in other ways. For example, now you can find silicone flexible keyboards that are rolled up into a tube, or even projected onto the table surface using a special laser projector:
As you can see, there are plenty of different keyboards. But they all work about the same. Therefore, we will consider their main additional functions.
Key blocks
Almost all keyboards are built using standard scheme and have an almost identical key layout. Moreover, the keys are grouped in a special way, which gives us the opportunity to highlight their specific blocks:
The main part is occupied enter keys letters and numbers. Without them, in fact, the keyboard will not be complete. These keys include all numeric keys, Enter, Backspace, and sometimes Shift (as a modifier key for entering capital letters). Their main purpose is to enter text.
There are blocks to the left and right of the input buttons special keys. They themselves practically do not perform any actions, but serve as modifiers that, in combination with the input block keys, can form keyboard shortcuts to perform certain functions (more on this below).
Above the input block there are 12 function keys. Today, not all of them are used by the system, but those that are still activated allow you to perform any action with one click (depending on what program the user is working in).
To the right of the main block of keys are usually located cursor control buttons. They are mainly used to move the cursor mark in text editors one character (arrows), the beginning or end of a line (Home and End), or even a whole page up (PageUp) or down (PageDown). In addition, the Insert button activates text input mode with replacement, and Delete allows you to remove one character after the cursor (unlike Backspace, which removes characters before the carriage).
Finally, not on all keyboards (for example, portable or laptop), but present number key block. This block is convenient to use for entering numbers, performing calculations in calculator programs or spreadsheets. Everything is here digital signs, signs of basic arithmetic operations, decimal separator, Enter key and NumLock.
Numeric keypad
Let's start, perhaps, with the favorite block of all accountants and people who constantly calculate something on the computer. In fact, it is a somewhat stripped-down calculator keyboard with enlarged Enter keys(analogous to "=" on a calculator), "0" and "+" for greater convenience. This block so popular that it is even available as a separate USB keyboard for laptops:
The key here is responsible for activating input NumLock. This is one of three trigger buttons (switches) found on standard keyboard(other CapsLock to enable uppercase letter keys, and the third ScrollLock to switch the operating mode of the cursor keys) and have their own indicators.
If NumLock is "on" (the indicators are usually in the right top corner keyboard), then using the numeric keypad we can use all the buttons of the “calculator”. If it is disabled, then the block buttons acquire other functions, which are usually labeled small print. In fact, in this mode they duplicate the commands of the cursor block, which is located to the left.
The main “wisdom” of the number pad is that if you can’t enter numbers with it, then you need to enable NumLock :).
Function keys
When computers were even larger, and their operators mostly had advanced degrees, the latter wanted to be able to quickly execute one or another microprogram written for their own needs. This is how additional function keys F1 - F12 appeared, which allowed you to “hang” on yourself needed by the user functions.
WITH distribution of Windows the ability to customize function keys has been relegated to the background. Instead, some of the top row buttons were set to perform standard actions (sometimes with an additional modifier key):
- F1- call help for the currently running this moment program;
- F2- renaming the selected file in Explorer;
- F3- launching a regular search in Explorer;
- F4+Alt- closing the current window;
- F4+Ctrl- closing the current browser tab;
- F5- updating the contents of the window in Explorer and some programs (for example, in browsers);
- F6- shifting focus to address bar in browsers);
- F7-F9 - standard features no, the specific actions depend on the program in which the buttons are activated;
- F10- moving focus to the menu bar or calling the main program menu;
- F10+Shift- challenge context menu;
- F11- activation/deactivation full screen mode some programs (for example, browsers);
- F12- depends on the program (often used to call some additional menus or instruments).
In principle, function keys perform their tasks in almost the same way everywhere. The only exception may be file managers, which use them in their own way. For example, in them, pressing F3 will start viewing the current file, F5 will start copying it, and F6 will start copying with moving. You can usually see the purpose of the function keys at the bottom of the window. file manager, and reassign in the settings:
Another nuance related to function keys on laptops. The laptop keyboard has an additional special key "Fn", which in combination with one of the F-buttons performs the action that is drawn on it as an icon. For example, Fn+F2 can turn off the sound on the computer, Fn+F3 and Fn+F4 increase or decrease the volume, and Fn+F5 and Fn+F6 adjust the screen brightness:
Special keys
The most significant phenomenon on the keyboard is special keys. They are located in the lower left and right corners of the main input block and allow you to implement many useful combinations with regular number-symbol buttons.
Modifier keys
First of all, special keys include paired modifier buttons(duplicated both on the right and left): Shift, Ctrl, Alt And Win(with Windows icon).
Shift and Ctrl They do not perform any functions on their own, but only modify pressing one of the main keys. For example, with simultaneous pressing Shift and any button with a letter in the input line will display the capital version of the pressed letter. And pressing a combination with the Ctrl key usually leads to the execution of some function of the currently active program (for example, Ctrl + S saves a file in most programs).
Keys Alt and Win have independent functions (Alt moves focus to the menu bar, and Win opens the Start menu or switches the workspace to tablet interface mode (in Windows 8)). But they can also act as modifier keys. At the same time, Alt as a modifier is often used together with the Ctrl or Shift keys, and Win, as a rule, independently to trigger a number of system events.
There are a lot of combinations with modifier keys (they are also called “hot” keys). Moreover, their set in various programs may differ and even be customized by the user. However, there are a number of generally accepted combinations, which, in my opinion, are most conveniently presented in table form:
| Combination | Function |
|---|---|
| CTRL(Control) | |
| CTRL+Q | Close the window of some programs. |
| CTRL+W | Close the active tab in programs with a multi-window interface (browser, graphic and text editors, etc.) |
| CTRL+R | Refresh the contents of a window (for example, in a browser or Explorer) |
| CTRL+O | Open a file in the active program |
| CTRL+P | Call print dialog |
| CTRL+A | Select the entire contents of the active program window |
| CTRL+S | Save current data in the program |
| CTRL+F | Call the search dialog |
| CTRL+F | Call the search dialog |
| CTRL+H | Display activity history in some programs (for example, in the browser) |
| CTRL+Z | Undo last action |
| CTRL+X | Cut a selected text or graphic fragment to the clipboard in the editor |
| CTRL+C (or CTRL+Insert) | Copy a selected text or graphic fragment in the editor to the clipboard without deleting it |
| CTRL+V | |
| CTRL+N | Create new file or workspace in most programs |
| CTRL+TAB | |
| CTRL+TAB | Switch between tabs of the active window (each press of TAB switches one tab forward, and in combination with holding SHIFT key- back) |
| CTRL+Esc | Calling the Start menu |
| CTRL+sign "+" or "-" | Enlarge or reduce window contents |
| SHIFT | |
| SHIFT+Insert (similar to CTRL+V) | Paste a text or graphic fragment from the clipboard |
| SHIFT+Delete | Cut a text or graphic fragment to the clipboard (similar to CTRL+X) or delete the selected file without placing it in the Trash |
| SHIFT+CTRL (sometimes CTRL+ALT) | Switch input language |
| SHIFT+F10 | Call context menu |
| SHIFT+cursor arrow | Select text in the direction of the cursor arrow |
| SHIFT+Enter | In text editors, line breaks without creating a new paragraph |
| SHIFT+CTRL+Esc | Calling Task Manager |
| SHIFT+CTRL+N | Create a new folder in Explorer (Windows 8 and older) |
| ALT(Alternate) | |
| ALT and then the underlined letter in the menu bar | Call a function containing an underlined letter. For example, ALT+F - will open the "File" menu in most programs |
| ALT+Enter | Display "Properties" of the active element |
| ALT+Space | Show the context menu of the active window |
| ALT+F4 | Close active window |
| ALT+TAB | Switch between open windows with displaying their thumbnails (cyclically by pressing TAB and in reverse order while simultaneously holding SHIFT) |
| ALT+Esc | Switching between open windows without displaying thumbnails (cyclically by pressing TAB and in reverse order while holding down SHIFT) |
| ALT+PAGE UP or ALT+PAGE DOWN | Move one page up or down |
| ALT+CTRL+down arrow or ALT+CTRL+up arrow | Flip the image 180 degrees |
| WIN(Windows) | |
| WIN+B | Switching focus to the notification area (tray) |
| WIN+D | Hide/show desktop |
| WIN+E | Launching Explorer |
| WIN+F | Calling system search |
| WIN+L | Locking your computer |
| WIN+M | Minimizing all windows (maximize back - with SHIFT pressed) |
| WIN+R | Calling the "Run" line |
| WIN+T | Switching applications on the taskbar (holding SHIFT in reverse order) |
| WIN+X | Menu display quick links in Windows 8 and older (analogous to the right mouse button in the lower left corner) |
| WIN+Pause/Break | Calling "Properties" of the system |
| WIN+Home | Minimize all windows except the active one |
| WIN+key "+" or "-" | Enlarge or reduce using magnifier(WIN+Esc to disable zoom) |
| WIN+arrow key | Left or right - snap the window to the left/right edge of the screen; up - expand the window; down - minimize window |
Other special keys
There are not many keys left outside our attention. To the right of the main input block we can see buttons CapsLock, Tab And Esc.
The first of them is a trigger for switching the letters entered in upper case without holding down SHIFT (pressing them will enter capital letters on the contrary). Tab allows you to use tabs (indentation) in text editors or move focus between areas of the working window in Explorer mode. Esc (or Escape) is also used to cancel actions in some situations.
On the right side of most keyboards at the bottom there is also a button with an image menu and cursor. This button(if it exists) allows you to call the context menu of the active element (analogous to right-clicking the mouse).
Controlling a computer from the keyboard
As we can see, there are a lot of “hot” keys. Memorizing them all at once seems to be an unrealistic task. However, in reality, most of the most useful combinations are remembered quite quickly. And, in principle, there is no particular point in memorizing them all. Enough to understand basic principles control selection and transitions between windows.
Actually, there are two ways to control a computer from the keyboard: cursor control using the numeric keypad and true control from the keyboard. Let's start with the first one as it is simpler and more understandable for those who are used to using a mouse.
Controlling the mouse cursor from the keyboard
To activate the mode of controlling the mouse cursor from the keyboard, you must have a block of numeric keys. You need to press the combination left Alt + left Shift + NumLock, after which (if you are doing this for the first time) a window should appear asking for permission to enable cursor control mode. Click "Yes" and in the tray we will have new icon in the form of a mouse, which will display the state of the current emulation:
If we double-click on this icon, a settings window will appear in front of us (see screenshot above). Here I recommend setting the movement and acceleration speed to maximum, since the average parameters, in my opinion, are quite slow. By the way, you can get to this window and turn on the mode from Control panels section "Special abilities" - "Make your keyboard easier to use".
Well, now - the most important thing is what buttons can control the cursor:
- Moving the cursor- all numeric buttons except "5" and "0".
- Single click of the left mouse button- button "5".
- Double click- "+" button.
- Hold down the mouse button(for example, for dragging) - button "0".
- Disabling hold- button ".".
- Right Mouse Button Activation- button "-".
- Activating the left mouse button- button "/".
- Activation of the left and right buttons simultaneously- button "*".
The NumLock key is responsible for activating/deactivating the cursor control mode from the keyboard. By default, the mode is turned on if the indicator is on, however, to preserve the “calculator” function, I would recommend setting the mode in the settings to activate when NumLock is disabled. But this, as they say, is not for everyone.
Controlling a computer without a mouse
Mouse emulation may appeal to ordinary users, however, true “hardcore” users will only frown cynically and continue to control the computer without a mouse at all. If you want to try the same, then you will need to first remember several key combinations, and also “make friends” with at least the TAB, ALT, SHIFT, CTRL, WIN, ENTER and cursor buttons.
In general, the management principle is as follows:
- Activation of any action(starting the program, pressing the left mouse button, selecting a menu item) is carried out with the ENTER key.
- One of the ways you activate the window you need. Running windows can be navigated using the ALT+TAB key combination; it is convenient to launch the program from the desktop using the ENTER button (after selecting desired shortcut arrows), and for quick access to the taskbar use the combination WIN+T.
- For navigation within a running window program, use the cursor arrows, and to switch between window elements(workspace, side panels, menu bar, etc.) use the TAB key (holding SHIFT goes to the elements in reverse order). This method does not work only in text editors (they use their own combinations that need to be remembered separately).
- For quick access to menu bar press ALT key. Then navigate through the menu using the cursor arrows or call necessary commands using letter keys, the letter of which is underlined in a particular menu item.
- For call the context menu you can use special key in the lower right row of the keyboard (if there is one) or by using the SHIFT+F10 key combination.
Actually, for starters, it’s enough to remember these simple control techniques. Over time, you will remember other combinations that will allow you to further optimize your daily processes, and, perhaps, you will begin to assign hot keys that are convenient for you. The main thing is to get used to it (statistically, it takes about 2-3 days).
conclusions
Today, a keyboard is practically the only device that allows you to work comfortably at a computer. None touch screens, mice or other control interfaces are not yet capable of fully replacing traditional buttons.
There are a great variety of keyboards, but they all essentially work the same. Even the simplest cheap keyboard without multimedia keys can, in the right hands, become a powerful tool for managing a wide variety of tasks.
Therefore, learn the assignment of keys, study “hot” combinations and you can become a real computer ninja :)
P.S. Permission granted to freely copy and quote. this article provided that an open active link to the source is indicated and the authorship of Ruslan Tertyshny is preserved.
Num Lock, NumLock (from English. number- number and lock- fixation) - the operating mode of the computer keyboard, which determines the functions of the block of “numeric” buttons located on the right side of the keyboard of the extended keyboard (101 buttons or more).
When mode Num Lock enabled buttons allow you to dial numbers. The placement of buttons on the right digital block is the same as on a calculator or cash register and is normal for quickly typing numerical data and performing simple arithmetic operations. The Num Lock mode is also used to enter characters that are not on the keyboard using their codes.
When mode Num Lock is off, the buttons duplicate the functions of the navigation button block (arrows, Home/End, Page Up/Page Down, Insert/Delete). This mode is sometimes required for compatibility with older applications and for programs that use unusual navigation schemes (for example, diagonal shifts along the Home/End, Page Up/Page Down buttons).
To switch between these modes, use the Num Lock button, usually located in the upper left corner of the numeric pad of the keyboard. The status of Num Lock mode is usually indicated by a suitable indicator on the keyboard. On many motherboards V BIOS settings There is a parameter that sets the state of Num Lock mode when the computer starts. When working with an extended keyboard, it is good to keep Num Lock enabled by default because it provides additional multifunctional capabilities.
On laptops(separately on netbooks) Num Lock mode can be activated by a combination of the Fn+Num Lock buttons, and the Num Lock mode indicator is often missing. If there is no numeric keypad on the laptop keyboard, the Num Lock mode simulates the numeric keypad on the main one. When Num Lock mode is enabled, the group of main keyboard buttons [(7, 8, 9, 0), (U, I, O, P), (J, K, L, ":"), (M, "", "? ")] starts working as a digital block. In this case, entering the corresponding letters and symbols becomes impossible. Therefore, by default on laptops, Num Lock mode should be turned off.
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