ESL Podcast 536 - Using a Computer Keyboard
keyboard - the flat, rectangular part of a computer that has many buttons with letters, numbers, and symbols that one pushes with one's fingers to type
On a Spanish-language keyboard, the ñ is where the semicolon (;) is on the English-language keyboard.
QWERTY - used to describe a keyboard design where the letters Q-W-E-R-T-Y are the first letters in the top row when read from left to right
The QWERTY keyboard was designed to make it easy for salespeople to type the word "typewriter" while demonstrating how a typewriter works, since all those letters are on the top row.
layout - the organization of something; the position of individual pieces of something; the way something is organized or arranged
This house has a very strange layout. When you walk into the house, you have to go through the bathroom and the laundry room before you enter the living area.
function key - one of the F1, F2,...F12 buttons on a keyboard that represent specific commands
Once you've highlighted a file name, pushing the F2 function key makes it easy to rename the file.
ergonomic - a way of designing equipment, technology, and furniture to make it easier, safer, more efficient, and more comfortable to use
When Cort told the doctor his back hurt, she recommended that he buy an ergonomic chair to use at the office.
wireless - without being connected by any cables; describing a technology that isn't physically connected to other pieces of technology, but can communicate with them by sending signals through the air
We bought a wireless telephone for the house so that we can walk around and do things while making phone calls.
to single (someone) out - to treat someone in a way that is different from the way everyone else is treated, especially if it's something that person doesn't like
Why does Ms. Pebley always single you out, making you answer the hardest questions in class?
orientation - an overview; basic information to make someone more familiar or more comfortable with something, and giving someone enough information to be able to begin using something
All the new employees get a quick orientation on their first day at work when they're shown how to use the copier, fax machine, and other office equipment.
built-in - describing something that is a permanent part of something else, and was not added or purchased separately
This apartment has built-in book cases.
number pad - a small keyboard, or a part of a larger keyboard, that has buttons
for numbers 0-9 and mathematical symbols, like /, *, -, and +
When working on spreadsheets, Mary prefers using a number pad so that she can type the numbers more quickly.
num lock - number lock; the button on a keyboard that controls whether the buttons on the number pad function as numbers or as arrows
To play this game, you need to hit the num lock key once, so that pressing 8 makes the character go up, pressing 2 makes it go down, and pressing 4 and 6 make it move from side to side.
esc - escape; the button on a keyboard that allows one to exit from a program or de-select something
If the program stops working, just hit esc to return to the main menu.
control - a button on the bottom row of a keyboard that, when pressed in combination with other buttons, lets one perform commands within computer programs
In Microsoft Word, pushing control-z lets you undo your previous action.
alt - a button on the bottom row of a keyboard that opens menus so that one can then press other keys to perform commands within a computer program
You can save a file in Microsoft Excel without using the mouse by pushing alt, F, and then S, which opens the File Menu and then selects Save.
shift - one of two buttons on the keyboard, on the left and right side, that is used with letter keys to make them capitalized
If you want to display the # symbol, press shift and 3 at the same time.
caps lock - a button on the left-hand side of the keyboard that, when pressed, makes all other letters capitalized until it is pressed again
Most email users think it's rude to type with the caps lock on, because the capitalized text makes it look like you're yelling.
hotkey - one or more buttons on a keyboard that one can push to make the computer perform a particular command or a series of commands
If you push this hotkey, the computer will automatically open your email program and check for new messages.
stuck with - forced to have, do, or use something when one does not like it
Nobody likes the new rules, but we're stuck with them until the manager decides to change them again.
that's the spirit - a phrase used to encourage another person to continue doing what he or she is doing, or to continue to have the same positive attitude
This biochemistry class is really difficult, but I know I can get an A.
That's the spirit!