Just a few questions to show off my ignorance

[Archer 007]

I have a few PC-related questions that I couldnt think of a better place to ask, so here they go.

Why is the "tab" key named that?
What is scroll lock?
What is the advantage of the Natural Keyboard?

 

[Hawkster]

from memory

the tab key is named after being able to tabulate a document - ie create columns in line - typewriters had only this key long before computers

scroll lock - not sure

a natural keyboard is shaped so that the angle of the wrists ,when typing with both hands , are at a more natural angle so reducing repetitive strain injury (at least in theory).

 

[Wolfe Tone]

Originally posted by archer_007
I have a few PC-related questions that I couldnt think of a better place to ask, so here they go.

Why is the "tab" key named that?

It's the button you press when you want a refreshing beverage.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

 

[Archer 007]

Originally posted by Wolfe Tone

It's the button you press when you want a refreshing beverage.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

So i'n not the only person to have thought this

 

[funxus]

A year or so ago I also got interested in what the function of the scroll lock is, but after searching the net, I found that it doesn't have a general function like all the other keys have. It seems to be left on the keyboard because it's always been there. Programs can still use it though as a toggle key, or use the lamp to get your attention, and I'm surprised I haven't seen any program do this.

 

[Aphex_Twin]

I did find a use for scroll lock. If you have Microsoft Excell for instance, when you press "Page Down" or "Page Up", the cursor will move up or down. If you activate "Scroll Lock" when you press the given keys, only the page moves up and down, but the cursor remains at the same place.

Worship me now.

 

[Sirp]

For information on Scroll Lock see http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mscrolllock.html

-Sirp.

 

[nihilistic]

Originally posted by archer_007
So i'n not the only person to have thought this

Far from that. for example, here's a Simpsons quote:

Homer: [reading screen] "To Start Press Any Key". Where's the ANY key? I see Esk ["ESC"], Catarl ["CTRL"], and Pig-Up ["PGUP"]. There doesn't seem to be any ANY key. Woo! All this computer hacking is making me thirsty. I think I'll order a TAB. [presses TAB key]

 

[Archer 007]

Originally posted by nihilistic


Far from that. for example, here's a Simpsons quote:

Homer: [reading screen] "To Start Press Any Key". Where's the ANY key? I see Esk ["ESC"], Catarl ["CTRL"], and Pig-Up ["PGUP"]. There doesn't seem to be any ANY key. Woo! All this computer hacking is making me thirsty. I think I'll order a TAB. [presses TAB key]

Now that you bring it up, I remember that episode.

 

[Rout]

Originally posted by Aphex_Twin
I did find a use for scroll lock. If you have Microsoft Excell for instance, when you press "Page Down" or "Page Up", the cursor will move up or down. If you activate "Scroll Lock" when you press the given keys, only the page moves up and down, but the cursor remains at the same place.

Worship me now.

Its strange that i am reading this. i was at a compy in our uni lab using excel and i couldnt work out why the cursor-keys were moving the screen around. I tolerated it a bit before going totally nuts tring to edit entries, and started to search for the cause of the strife, checking shift lock and preferences screens. Anyway 20 mins later i eventually noticed the scroll lock light on and gave a good old 'Aaaaah, thats what it does!'
Its the only thing we discovered that day