LOCK is a function that locks part of a keyboard's keys into a distinct mode of operation, depending on the lock settings selected.

Description

Most keyboards have three different types of ''lock'' functions: *Number Lock – ''

Num Lock Num Lock or Number Lock (⇭) is a key on the numeric keypad of most computer keyboards. It is a lock key, like Caps Lock and Scroll Lock. Its state affects the function of the numeric keypad commonly located to the right of the main keyboard ...

''. 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 (more formally ''#Majuscule, majuscule'') and smaller lowercase (more formally ''#Minuscule, minuscule'') in the written representation of certain langua ...

by default rather than

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

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

shift key The Shift key is a modifier key on a alphanumeric keyboard, keyboard, used to type majuscule, 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. T ...

. 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 c ...

s, the lock mode is used to change the behavior of the

cursor key Arrow keys or cursor movement keys are keys on a computer keyboard that are either programmed or designated to move the cursor in a specified direction. The term "cursor movement key" is distinct from "arrow key" in that the former term may r ...

s 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 to cause the operating system or an application program to perform certain actions, a form of soft key. On some keyboards/computers, function keys may have defa ...

. Some laptops and compact keyboards also have a Function Lock - ''FN'' Lock or ''F-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

LED A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresp ...

s indicating which locks are enabled, in the upper right corner above the

numpad A numeric keypad, number pad, numpad, or ten key, is the calculator-style group of ten numeric keys accompanied by other keys, usually on the far right side of computer keyboard. This grouping allows quick number entry with right hand, ...

. Some

ergonomic Ergonomics, also known as human factors or human factors engineering (HFE), is the application of psychological and physiological principles to the engineering and design of products, processes, and systems. Primary goals of human factors engi ...

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 processor (WP) is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting, and output of text, often with some additional features. Word processor (electronic device), Early word processors were stand-alone devices dedicate ...

or email programs.

References

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