Unit 2: Data Entry and Keyboarding Skills

Keyboarding Skills
A keyboard generally has more than 100 keys. Each key of a keyboard corresponds to a single symbol. Some symbols
require pressing and holding several keys simultaneously or in sequence.

Types of keys
• Alphanumeric keys: All of the alphabet (A-Z) and numbers (0-9) on the keyboard.
• Punctuation keys: All of the keys associated with punctuation, such as the comma (,), period (.),semicolon (;),
brackets ([]), and parenthesis ({ }) and so on. Also, all of the mathematical operatorssuch as the plus sign (+), minus
sign (-), and equal sign (=).
• Alt key: Short for Alternate, this key is like a second control key.
• Arrow keys: There are four arrow keys to move the cursor (or insertion point) up (↑), down (↓), right (→), or left
(←). Arrow keys can be used in conjunction with the
• Shift or Alt keys: To move the cursor in more than one position at a time.
• Backspace key: Deletes the character just to the left of the cursor (or insertion point) and moves the cursor to that
position.
• Caps Lock key: It is a toggle key, which when activated, causes all alphabetic characters to beuppercase.
• Ctrl key: The control key is used in conjunction with other keys to produce control characters. Themeaning of each
control character depends on which program is running.
• Delete key: The Del key deletes the character at the current cursor position, or the selected object,but does not move
the cursor. For graphics-based applications, the delete key deletes the character to the right of the insertion point.
• Enter key or Return key: It is used to enter commands or to move the cursor to the beginning ofthe next line.
• Esc key: The Escape key is used to send special codes to devices and to exit (or escape) fromprograms and tasks.
• Function keys: Special keys labelled F1 to F12. These keys have different meaning depending onwhich program is
running.
• Numeric keypad: It is normally located on the right-hand side of computer keyboard. It contains numbers 0 to 9,
addition (+), subtraction (–), multiplication (*) and division (/) symbols, a decimalpoint (.) and Num Lock and Enter
keys.
• Home keys: Alphabets ASDF are home keys for the left hand and; (semi-colon) LKJ for the right hand.
• Guide keys: On a computer keyboard, keys ‘F’ and ‘J’ are called guide keys for left and right hand,
• respectively.
• Typing capital letters: To type capital letters, switch ON the Caps Lock by pressing the key beforetyping.
• Typing symbols: The Shift key is used to access the top symbols that are one of the keys with twocharacters.
• Typing sentences: To get space between typed words, press the space bar once and then type thenext word.
• Creating new lines and spaces between paragraphs: The Enter or return key is used to create newlines and spaces
between paragraphs.
• Guide for typing: The cursor keys serve as a guide for typing. They can be used to move the positionof the cursor.

Pointing devices
Instead of typing, directly some items can be selected from computer screen, for example "print" or "close" button.
This can be done using point and draw devices, such as mouse.
Mouse
Mouse is a pointing device used to point a particular place on the screen and select to perform oneor more actions
Mouse pointer
The mouse pointer allows to point on the screen. The pointer changes as shown below.
The common mouse actions are as follows:
(a) Click or left click: It is used to select an item. Press down once on the left button with your indexfinger.
(b) Double click: It is used to start a program or open a file or trigger an action.
(c) Right click: It is used to display a set of commands and available options.
(d) Drag and drop: It allows to select and move an item from one location to another.
 (e) Scroll: Many applications provide scrollbars on right side of screen if the page length is more than the
monitor/screen length.
(f) Blocking: Blocking is another way of selecting text. It is used to select text that needs to be editedor formatted.
Typing ergonomics
Typing ergonomics provides the logistic support for efficient and effective typewriting.Sitting posture

While operating the computer keyboard, sit straight, slightly bending your neck forward.

Monitor placement
Do not bend your neck while working on the monitor and keep the upper border of screen at eye level. The distance
of screen from the user depends on the size of the screen. Keep an approximatedistance of about 60–65 cms for 17
inches screen.
Mouse and keyboard placement
Keep the keyboard and mouse together at an approximate distance of 20 cms, which will help in smooth and effortless
operation of keyboard. Same height of keyboard, mouse and elbows helps theusers to work comfortably.
Chair and table placement
Adjust computer chair and table to an optimal height. The chair of the computer user must besupportive to his/her
lower back.
Placement of matter to be typed
Place the matter for typing to the left or right side of the keyboard preferably on a Copy Holder which has a sloping
surface.
Positioning of fingers on the keyboard
Allocation of keys to fingers
The keyboard learning process starts from the second row (Home Row) followed by the Third Row(Upper Row), First
Row (Bottom Row) and the Fourth Row (Number Row).
Successful keyboarding tips
Press the keys with feather touch and do not put undue pressure.
• Rest your fingers on Home row while typing.
• Allow your fingers to fall naturally on the keys so that each rests on top of the next key along the same horizontal
row.
• While typing, release the key immediately as soon as you press it. Holding the key for long time, will repeatedly type
the same character.
• Do not look at the keyboard while practicing.
• Press the keys with equal intervals of time in rhythm.
• Press the keys only with the fingers allotted for them.
• While pressing a key, say slowly pronounce the character on the key.
Using typing software
Introduction to Rapid Typing Tutor
Rapid Typing Tutor is a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) designed to learn typing skills on thecomputer.
Touch typing technique
Stage one of the process begins with learning the Home Row of the keyboard (the row beginning with the Caps Lock
key). Looking at the keyboard is strictly forbidden. This is followed by learning thelower and upper rows, the numbers
row, uppercase letters and special symbols.
Stage two involves memorizing frequently used syllables and typing words containingthese syllables
Stage three involves typing actual text to perfect the skills acquired.
How to interpret your results
The colour indication is as follows:
• Green letters denote right inputs.
• Yellow letters stand for right inputs exceeding the acceptable timeframe.
• Red letters denote wrong inputs within the acceptable timeframe.
• Orange letters indicate wrong inputs that also exceed the acceptable timeframe (it's theworst result).
Calculating the typing speed

A student typed 240 characters per 2 min with errors in 20 characters.

Simple speed = 240 characters / 2 min = 120 cpm
Net speed = 120 cpm - (20 errors / 2 min) = 100 net cpm
Typing accuracy
Accuracy in the words, percent Accuracy = (100% - Words with errors * 100%) / Total number ofwords
Overall rating calculation
(a) Good typing speed
An average professional typist types usually in speeds of 50 to 80 wpm, while some positions canrequire 80 to 95 and
some advanced typists work at speeds above 120 wpm. The fastest typing speed on an alphanumeric keyboard, 216
words in one minute, was achieved byStella Pajunas in 1946. As of 2005, writer Barbara Blackburn was the fastest
alphanumerical English language typist in theworld, according to The Guinness Book of World Records.