Acorn A5000, Welcome Manual

Page: 52 / 114

When to use the keyboard
The computer control keys have different functions, depending on the software with
which they are being used. Useful keys to know about at the moment are:
Delete deletes a character to the left of the caret (e.g. in Edit) or deletes a
selected object (e.g. in Draw).
Ctrl (Control) changes the meaning of a key, when held down while that key is
pressed.
Alt changes the meaning of a key, when held down while that key is
pressed.
Copy copies a selected object (e.g. in Draw) or deletes a character to the
right of the caret (e.g. in Edit).
Cursor keys move the cursor (when it is visible) around the screen in the
direction of the arrow on the keycap.
When to use the keyboard
You will need to use the keyboard for many tasks, such as
•
supplying answers to questions the computer asks in writable menu boxes (
including giving names for files and documents you create)
• using a word processor, or a text editor like Edit (for an example of this, see
Using applications on page 43)
• choosing some menu options using keyboard shortcuts (for example F3 to Save
a file)
• entering data in a spreadsheet or database.
Whenever you need to use the keyboard within the desktop, a vertical bar appears. This
is called a caret. Any characters you type will appear to the left of the caret, which will
move to the right.
Moving around a document
Some other keys allow you to move around long documents:
Home
moves the caret to the start of the document
Page up moves to the previous 'windowful' of the document
Page down moves to the next 'windowful' of the document
You can, of course, also use the scroll bars and cursor keys to move around the
document.
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