The spelling of the word "computer keyboard" in phonetic transcription is /kəmˈpjuːtər ˈkiːbɔːd/. The word is composed of two main parts: "computer" and "keyboard". The first syllable, "com", is pronounced with a weak stress and an unstressed vowel /ə/. The rest of the syllables are pronounced with a strong stress on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a long vowel sound. The last syllable, "board", is pronounced with a short vowel sound and a voiced consonant /d/.
A computer keyboard is an input device that enables users to communicate with a computer system by inputting text, commands, and other characters. It is a peripheral device that corresponds to the standard QWERTY layout, featuring various keys, such as letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and function keys, organized in a specific manner.
The computer keyboard typically consists of color-coded keys, which allow users to differentiate between alphabetic, numeric, and functional keys. Alphabetic or letter keys are used to input text and characters, while the numeric keypads are employed for numerical input and calculations. Additionally, special keys like arrow keys, function keys, control keys, and modifier keys grant users additional functionalities and shortcuts to navigate through documents, perform specific operations, and modify the behavior of other keys.
Keyboards can be classified into different types depending on their connectivity, such as wired keyboards that are connected to the computer via a cable, and wireless keyboards that use Bluetooth or radio frequency technology. Moreover, keyboards can vary in size, layout, and design, catering to different user preferences and specific applications. These can include ergonomic keyboards that are designed to enhance user comfort and reduce strain, gaming keyboards equipped with additional buttons and customizable lighting effects, and multimedia keyboards featuring dedicated media control keys.
Overall, the computer keyboard is an essential tool that plays a fundamental role in the interaction between users and computer systems, providing a means to input text and commands efficiently.
The etymology of the word "computer keyboard" can be traced back to several different components:
1. Computer: The term "computer" originated from the Latin word "computare", which means "to reckon" or "to calculate". The modern usage of the word as a device for performing calculations began in the early 20th century.
2. Key: The word "key" has its roots in Old English, derived from the Old English word "cǣg", meaning "metal peg, key, or nail". It refers to the piece of metal or plastic used to operate the mechanical switches on a typewriter or similar device.
3. Board: The term "board" comes from the Old English word "bord", signifying a flat, rigid, rectangular surface. In the context of a keyboard, it refers to the flat surface with keys arranged in a grid-like pattern.