LOCK is a function that locks part of a keyboard's keys into a distinct

mode of operation In cryptography, a block cipher mode of operation is an algorithm that uses a block cipher to provide information security such as confidentiality or authenticity. A block cipher by itself is only suitable for the secure cryptographic transform ...

, depending on the lock settings selected.

Description

Most keyboards have three different types of ''lock'' functions: *Number Lock – '' Num Lock''. Allows the user to type numbers by pressing the keys on the number pad, rather than having them act as up, down, left, right, page up, end, and so forth. Usually located in the upper left corner of the number pad. *Capital Lock – '' Caps Lock''. When enabled, letters the user types will be in

uppercase Letter case is the distinction between the letters that are in larger uppercase or capitals (or more formally ''majuscule'') and smaller lowercase (or more formally ''minuscule'') in the written representation of certain languages. The writing ...

by default rather than

lowercase Letter case is the distinction between the letters that are in larger uppercase or capitals (or more formally ''majuscule'') and smaller lowercase (or more formally ''minuscule'') in the written representation of certain languages. The writing ...

. Located at left end of the keyboard, above the left

shift key The Shift key is a modifier key on a keyboard, used to type capital letters and other alternate "upper" characters. There are typically two shift keys, on the left and right sides of the row below the home row. The Shift key's name originated f ...

. Also while Caps Lock is engaged, typically the shift key instead adjusts the now-capital letter keys to type in lowercase. *Scrolling Lock – '' Scroll Lock''. In some applications, such as

spreadsheet A spreadsheet is a computer application for computation, organization, analysis and storage of data in tabular form. Spreadsheets were developed as computerized analogs of paper accounting worksheets. The program operates on data entered in ...

s, the lock mode is used to change the behavior of the cursor keys to scroll the document instead of the cursor. Usually located to the right of the

function keys A function key is a key on a computer or terminal keyboard that can be programmed so as to cause an operating system command interpreter or application program to perform certain actions, a form of soft key. On some keyboards/computers, function ...

. Some laptops and compact keyboards also have a Function Lock - ''FN'' Lock. On these devices, a ''Fn'' modifier key is used to combine keys to save room and add non-standard functionality; a common use is merging the row with keys F1- F12 with keys that adjust settings such as display brightness, media volume and playback, and keyboard illumination. ''Fn'' Lock toggles the default output of these keys.

Location

The lock keys are scattered around the keyboard. Most styles of keyboards have three LEDs indicating which locks are enabled, in the upper right corner above the numpad. Some

ergonomic Human factors and ergonomics (commonly referred to as human factors) is the application of psychological and physiological principles to the engineering and design of products, processes, and systems. Four primary goals of human factors learnin ...

keyboards instead place the lock indicators in between the key split. Some brands of keyboards have a ''function mode'' key (also called ''F mode'' or ''Office Lock''), and may replace the scroll lock indicator with an office lock indicator. Office Lock, when enabled, will enable alternate functions of the

, meant for use with various

word processing A word is a basic element of language that carries an objective or practical meaning, can be used on its own, and is uninterruptible. Despite the fact that language speakers often have an intuitive grasp of what a word is, there is no conse ...

or email programs.

References

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