Keyboards
     A computer's main input device is the keyboard, and it's almost impossible to imagine a computer without one. A computer keyboard looks alot like the keyboard for a typewriter but has added keys that provide many different features and enhancements. The keyboards sold today are called enhanced keyboards and have 101 to 106 individual keys. The layouts are basically the same with the odd key situated differently. They generally hook up to your computer with a DIN-5, PS2 (mini DIN-6), or USB connector.

    Keyboards can definitely have a certain feel or touch to them and it's best to try one out before you buy. Some can be quite springy while others feel kind of mushy, others have a definite snap or click to them. Some actually make a clicking sound as you type (some people might like this, it drives me nuts). There are split keyboards and ergonomic keyboards meant to help reduce the possiblity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

        Of course, you get a keyboard when you buy a computer, but it's not an overly expensive item and can easily be replaced with one more to your liking. When I say it's not an overly expensive item, I'm referring to the generic keyboards sold with the average computer system. The newer high-tech, exotic colored, ergonomic, split keyboards sporting extra buttons for the CD player and instant internet access with page-scroll and touchpad are starting to get up there in price.

     Once you've found a keyboard that you find comfortable, one of your main concerns should be proper typing form. Repetative stress injuries are a concern and poor posture can also result in back and neck pain. Sit up straight and find yourself a chair that supports the natural curve in your back. It should be adjusted to your keyboard so that you don't have to lean forward or hunch to type. Your shoulders should be relaxed with your forearms and wrists fairly level, fingers slightly curved. Wrist pads are made for you to rest your wrists on while taking short breaks, your wrists shouldn't be on them while you type. Don't sit and type constantly, try to take a few breaks every now and then and have a stretch.

Troubleshooting
    Keyboards are fairly trouble-free input devices. However, sometimes troubles do arise and there are a few relatively simple fixes.

No Response
    If you can't seem to get any response from your keyboard, the first thing to check is the connection. Make sure the connector is plugged securely into the proper port. Sometimes it's possible to plug into the wrong port if both your keyboard and your mouse use a PS2 connector. Unless it attaches with a USB connector, make sure your computer is off before you plug or unplug your keyboard or mouse. If your keyboard is unplugged when you boot your computer, you'll get a 'keyboard error' that may or may not halt your system, depending on your computer's setup. Another thing that can cause this error is if there's a key stuck down or if something is resting on a key during bootup.
     One more thing on this particular subject, computer cases used to have a keylock switch on them. They're not found on cases that often now, but some do still have them, especially network servers. This allows a person to lock out keyboard access to any unwanted users. This might be something else to check if you're not getting any response from your keyboard.

Sticking Keys
    If you have a key or several keys that stick after being pressed, it may be a little difficult to pinpoint at first, but you'll probably soon figure it out. Have you maybe spilled coffee or coke on your keyboard recently? Do you eat over it, smoke a pipe or cigarettes at your computer? It is possible to rinse a keyboard with water, let it dry thoroughly, and use it again. If it's just a couple of keys, you can pop the caps off with a chip puller and try to clean underneath. Be careful of the longer keycaps like the Enter key, Shift keys, and spacebar, they have small metal hangers under them to keep them level when pressed. It's really easy to break these if you don't know how to get them off properly. Yes, it is possible to take all the keycaps off, take the keyboard apart and wash everything down, but consider what your time is worth too. By the time you've removed all the keys, washed everything, dried it properly, and replaced the caps, a new keyboard might have been a more economical answer. Then again, if you're going to replace it anyway, why not just try rinsing it under the sink or putting it through the rinse cycle in the dishwasher without any soap. After allowing it to dry thoroughly, test it out. If it works, great, if not, buy a new one.

Change the Settings
    If you find your keyboard doing strange things, check out the Control Panel. If someone else uses your computer, maybe they've toyed with the Keyboard Settings or set some of the Accessability Options. If text is being overwritten instead of inserted when you type, check the Insert key, this toggles between insert and overwrite.

    Although not all that common, keyboards can also have electrical shorts and wiring problems. It's nice to have a spare keyboard that you can swap in and out to eliminate the possibility.

Care and Cleaning
    Keyboards can be cleaned with mild soap and water on a damp cloth that's been well wrung out. Turn your keyboard upside down and tap it on the bottom to knock out crumbs and ashes or food particles, then use canned air to blow the dust, grime and dead skin out from under the keys. I don't suggest using Isopropal Alcohol, but if you choose that route, try it on a small, unnoticable spot first to make sure it doesn't melt or smear the plastic finish. Keeping your keyboard covered when not in use can help keep out the dust. If your fingers are particularly grimy then you can buy keyboard 'skins' that fit over the keys to keep them clean and prevent dust, dead skin and other particles from getting underneath.

Continued...