Your computer uses output devices such as your Monitor to send data to the computer user. This same user must also use input devices to send data to the computer.
Even though you
won't open your keyboard to make any repairs other than to unstuck a stuck key
or replace a broken retainer, it’s a good idea to study every part of your
keyboard. If you're blessed enough to have an extra keyboard, take the time to
open the case and study each component in great detail.
Some of the special
features of newer keyboards are that they can be cordless and is often used
with such devices as the cordless mouse. Special keyboards may be used when the
user may want have the freedom of movement. The average user will have very
little use for the cordless keyboard or mouse.
The keyboard come
in layouts which refer to how to keys are arranged. The Alphanumeric Key layout
are the letters, numbers, and symbols. This is the most commonly used type the
keyboard layout. The QWERTY Layout is the most popular Alphanumeric layout
The keyboard must
have power to operate and it get this power from the motherboard. The operation
of led indicators let you know the keyboard is receiving power.
Use the right tool,
usually a screwdriver to open the case and study the components inside. You
will not replace these components but it will boost your understanding of
computers when you know every part of every device in your computer.
The keyboard case
Yes, I know, this
is going to be exciting to discuss. While there is nothing much to discuss
about the case of the keyboard, we don't want to cut corners.
You may have to
help someone with their ailing keyboard so you want to be on your toes. With
that in mind, let’s get hyped up as we begin our keyboard case discussion.
Ready, the keyboard
case is almost always plastic. I told you this would be exciting. This case
holds the keycaps, the internal controller and other chips.
Keyboard LED
Indicators will have a set of three LED indicators. They are used to display
the current operation of the keyboard. NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, and SCROLL LOCK are
the three standard led indications found on most keyboards.
The most popular
keys such as the Enter Key and the Space Bar will get used often. These keys
may be the ones that will need to be replaced. The springs or clips underneath
may give in to wear and tear over time.
Inside the keyboard
As the CPU is the
brains of your computer, the brains of your keyboard is the circuitry inside.
These circuits and chips process the operation of every keystroke.
The keyboard has
its own Microprocessor and ROM or Read Only Memory that the micro pressor use
to transfer data.
Some keyboards are
programmable and uses the EEPROM or Electrically Erasable Programmable Memory,
which holds data, acting like a very small hard drive.
Cables and connections
Wired keyboards
will have a cable that connects to the rear of the computer through a serial
connector. There are two types of keyboard connectors. The large 5-DIN
connector or Deutsche Industrie Norm was used on the first systems up to the mid-1990s.
The smaller 6-DIN
was made by IBM for the PS/2 and later model computers. Each pin provides a
special function to transfer data to the computer.
Installing the keyboard
Unless you've
invested in one of those super special featured keyboards which will require
the installation of software, you simply connect the keyboard to the rear of
your computer.
When the system is
booted up, the new keyboard will be recognized and you're on your way. Notice
the Led indicator lights to verify the keyboard is receiving power.
And that's it.
Gather as much
information and data about your system while it is still running smoothly. Prepare
for computer breakdown before it happens.
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