Keyboard assistants to speed up keyboard input. Keyboard utilities

Android platform is developing by leaps and bounds, but some nuances operating system still remain unclear. For example, Android still does not have a built-in spell checker, which is sorely missed by many smartphone and tablet users who write. large quantity text.

By default, Android 4.4 KitKat, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow completely lack spelling and spelling capabilities. It is worth noting that iOS has such capabilities, but support for the Russian language is so poor that spell checking in Apple mobile platform there is practically no sense, since in Cupertino, apparently, they are not even aware of the existence of cases, declensions and other features peculiar to the Russian language.

If you take a closer look at the situation with spell checking in Android, then a solution to this problem exists, and from Google. To activate the word error correction system you will need to download from the store Google applications Play program entitled .

After installing it on a smartphone or tablet under Android control need to go to "Settings", then almost at the very bottom of the list select "Language and input", and the menu that appears should appear new item entitled "Spelling". That's what we need.

By opening this section, you can find one single verification method, the capabilities of which are sufficient for most people. We switch the toggle switch to the “On” position and launch some application. Spell checking will work in Russian, English and other languages ​​that are installed in the system by default.

Having written several words with errors and missing letters, tap once (lightly press) on the highlighted word and see a list of options for correction. To replace an incorrect word with a correct one, just select from the list correct option and tap on it again.

Google's spelling system has three main disadvantages. The first is that spell check does not store words on the user's device, so it can only work when connected to the Internet. The second minus is more significant since Google's spelling still does not reach the level of the ORFO system for Windows and Mac, but it is significantly superior to that of iOS.

The last disadvantage is that not everyone supports third party applications. Most likely the matter is in the “crooked” hands of software developers, since in most programs from Google Play The spell checking system works correctly.

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The keyboard is used to enter information into the computer and provide control signals. It contains standard set alphabetical number keys and some additional keys- control and function keys, cursor control keys, as well as small digital block keyboards.

General concepts

Information entry point (cursor)- the symbol “|” flickering on the monitor screen, indicating the position in which the next character entered from the keyboard will be displayed.

The keyboard has a built-in buffer- small intermediate memory where entered characters are placed. All characters typed on the keyboard are immediately displayed on the monitor at the cursor position. However, if the system is busy, then the characters may not be immediately displayed on the screen, but placed in the keyboard buffer in order to display the entered characters on the screen after the system is released. If the keyboard buffer overflows, the key press will be accompanied by sound signal, meaning that the character was not entered (rejected).

The most common today is 105(7) - a keyboard with a key layout QWERTY(read “querti”), named after the keys located in the upper left row of the alphanumeric part of the keyboard.

Alphanumeric keys

The alphanumeric keys of the keyboard are designed for entering English and Russian letters, numbers, punctuation marks and some other symbols. To change the input language, click in the indicator area Taskbars on the keyboard indicator icon and select the desired language.

The language can also be changed using the keyboard. To do this, you usually use one of two keyboard shortcuts: Alt (left) + Shift or Ctrl + Shift.

Alphanumeric keys also enter characters from other national alphabets. For example, if you have the Belarusian language installed on your system, then most letters Belarusian language coincides with the arrangement of letters in the Russian language. But there are also differences. They are presented in the following table:

Function keys

At the top of the keyboard are 12 function keys. F1-F12. Function keys V various applications may have different meanings. Here is an example of the actions that the key performs F5.

Note that in many programs, the key is used to get help (hints). F1.

Control keys

Control keys have the following purpose:

Enter- enter key. IN text editors pressing Enter keys ends paragraph entry. When working, for example, in a folder window or Conductor pressing the Enter key performs the same functions as double click left mouse button (usually the default action is open).

Esc(escape - exit) a key to cancel any actions, for example, to exit a dialog box, menu, etc.

Key Alt used to select a command in a menu active application without the help of a mouse. By pressing the Alt key, the user accesses the first menu item of the active application. Further selection of the command is carried out using the movement keys ↓ ← → and pressing the key Enter. Key Alt widely used in combination with other keys. Here are some of them:

Key Ctrl has no independent meaning, but when pressed together with other alphabetic or control keys, it changes their action. Here are some examples of using such combinations:

Shift(register) - provides change the register of keys(top to bottom and vice versa). For example, pressing a key Shift Together with the alphabet key, it allows you to enter capital letters.

Insert(insert) - switches between insertion modes (new characters are entered between those already typed, moving them apart) and replacement modes (old characters are mixed in with new ones).

Delete(delete) - deletes a character from a position to the right of the cursor (information entry point).

Back Space deletes the character in front of the cursor, i.e. to the left of the information entry position. Recall that the key Back Space located on the keyboard above the key Enter.

Tab - tab key, in text editors, ensures that the cursor moves to the right several positions at once until the next tab stop, in dialog boxes serves to move between different control elements.

Caps Lock - fixes uppercase, providing entering capital letters instead of lowercase letters. Note that the key Caps Lock Works only with letter keys and does not affect special character input.

Scroll Lock - used only in spreadsheets to scroll information without changing the active cell.

Print Screen - provides copying information, currently displayed on the screen in Clipboard.

Long bottom key untitled - intended for entering spaces (to separate words).

The Windows logo key displays Main menu Windows. In addition, it is used to execute some commands, a list of which is given in the table below:

The key serves to call the context menu of the selected object, i.e. it replaces right-clicking on the selected object.

Navigation keys

Navigation keys have the following purpose.

The ↓ ← → keys are used to move the cursor accordingly up, down, left and right per position or line.

Home and End- provide movement of the cursor to the first and last position of the line, respectively.

Page Up and Page Down- provide movement through the text one screen page back and forth, respectively.

Small numeric keypad

Small numeric keypad can be used in two modes: for entering numbers and for cursor control. These modes are switched using the key Num Lock.

For most people, the default keyboard that comes with a new device is quite passable. This is usually a traditional Android keyboard or an upgraded version like Samsung or LG. However, these are not all your options. Eat whole line Third-party keyboard apps for Android that include advanced features. If you want to change your typing, let's take a look at the best keyboards for Android right now.

AI Type Keyboard Plus
(downloads: 2105)
AI Type Keyboard Plus is quite an old and reliable option alternative keyboard. The application comes with big amount standard features, including forecasting, automatic filling, emoticons and keyboard settings. Moreover, you will find more than a thousand themes to fit your keyboard into your design. The free version has probation, which lasts 18 days, then you'll have to fork out 250 rubles or lose a few features, but you can try out all the keyboard features before you buy the app. It's also one of the few keyboard apps that comes with a number bar.

Chrooma Keyboard
(downloads: 684)
Chrooma Keyboard is new to the keyboard app market but meets all the needs you would want in a smartphone keyboard. The application includes swipe-set, resize, night mode, and you can also change the color of the keyboard to suit your tastes. The app also includes a number line, emoji and support for 60 languages. The keyboard looks and acts very similar to a traditional one Android keyboard, and this good decision. It's cheap and a good option if you are looking for a customizable and simple keyboard.

Flexy Keyboard
(downloads: 820)
Fleksy Keyboard is one of the must-see Android keyboards. It includes one of the best prediction engines of any keyboard on this list, and also uses quite unique method predictions, along with a swipe input form to speed up typing. The keyboard comes with 40 themes, three customizable sizes, and you can customize the actual keyboard to suit your needs and even create own topic for her. The keyboard also has GIF support, which can be useful. It is free to download with in-app purchases which are provided themed packages. She often appears in any discussion best keyboards for Android.

GO Keyboard
(downloads: 591)
GO Keyboard carries the same stigma as other GO products, some people love it, others think it's overhyped. Either way, GO Keyboard is reliable keyboard for Android already long time. The keyboard comes with a ton of features including emojis, support for various key layouts including QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY and more. It also supports swipe input and fonts that you can choose from. It's not the most minimalist option, but if you don't mind bulky apps, it's a good keyboard.

Google Keyboard
(downloads: 645)
Of course, we couldn't pass up the traditional Android keyboard. This basic version, from which the evaluation of any other keyboard is based. This is a minimalist style keyboard that has no large set features, but remains fast and reliable. Here you'll find gesture input, several customization options when it comes to input prediction, corrections, and of course, a custom dictionary. There are several theme options, as well as swipe typing and one-handed typing mode. You can also sync your dictionary between devices for quick setup, if you buy a new device. This is absolutely free application without any in-app purchases.

Multiling O Keyboard
(downloads: 590)
Multiling O Keyboard is an essential solution if you need language support. In fact, this keyboard app supports over 200 languages ​​as of this writing, which is far more than any other Android keyboard can offer. In addition to enhanced language support, you get gesture typing, the ability to customize the keyboard to your PC layout, change the keyboard size, themes, emoji, different layouts, and the all-important number bar. This is an underrated app, especially if you plan to write in different languages, and most importantly, it is completely free.

Minuum Keyboard
(downloads: 215)
Of all the Android keyboards on this list, Minuum Keyboard will probably take the award for thinking beyond boundaries. The application comes with standard keyboard, which supports easy settings, but main feature is the Mini mode, which makes the keyboard no taller than your thumbnail. The keyboard offers to enter text with errors, with excellent edits. There is some learning curve and it will also take time to get used to, but it is definitely unique and useful solution, once you get the hang of it. You can get a free 30-day trial before they ask you for RUB 180.

Smart Keyboard PRO
(downloads: 726)
The Smart Keyboard Pro app has been on the shelves for quite some time. Google store Play, and it's one of the few older Android keyboards that still receives regular updates. This simple keyboard which provides a basic typing experience with some modern features. You get emojis, auto-correct, predicted text, and more. The keyboard also supports themes, T9 mode, compact mode, and hardware keyboards. It's not the most dazzling app on the list, but it's a good option if you need something simple that will work. You can use the demo version before you buy the keyboard.

SwiftKey Keyboard
(downloads: 664)
SwiftKey is definitely one of the best keyboards for Android. It has monstrously intelligent text prediction and amazing auto-correction, plus gesture typing and cloud syncing so all your devices can stay up to date with settings, keyboard themes, and more. The keyboard also offers wide language support, around 100. The keyboard and all its features are free, but you will have to pay for most themes. The app was recently purchased by Microsoft, which caused many users to turn away from SwiftKey, but this moment the application works as always.

Swipe
(downloads: 276)
Swype was the first really good third-party Android keyboard, so good that some OEMs used it as a base on their devices. Today the keyboard is not as popular as it used to be, but the developers have done Good work above the application. The keyboard comes with best input gestures, there are topics, text prediction, automatic correction, synchronization between devices, and some unique gesture controls that let you select all, copy, paste, or search. you can use free version for 30 days before paying 65 rubles, after which you can separately purchase unique themes.

Both when writing a letter and calculating digital data, you can't do without a keyboard– the main means of entering information into a computer. This section covers the basics of using the keyboard and introduces keyboard commands.

How are the keyboard keys arranged?

Keys on the keyboard Computers can be divided into several groups according to their functions:

• Letters (letters and numbers). These are keys for letters, numbers, punctuation and symbols, just like on a regular typewriter.
• Service keys. These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform specific actions. The most commonly used are service Ctrl keys, Alt, Esc and Windows logo key.
• Function keys. Function keys are used to perform special tasks. They are designated F1, F2, F3 and so on, up to F12. Depending on the program, the functionality of these keys may vary.
• Navigation keys. These keys are used to navigate documents, web pages, and edit text. These include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
• Numeric keypad. On numeric keypad Convenient to quickly enter numbers. The keys are grouped into a block, just like on a regular calculator.

The picture below shows how these keys are arranged on a typical keyboard. You may have a different keyboard layout.

Keyboard input

When you need to enter something into a program, into a message Email or in the field, the screen flashes vertical bar(|). This is the cursor, also called the input position. It shows where the input will begin. You can move the cursor by clicking the desired location or using the navigation keys (see ) in this section.

In addition to letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols, the input keys also include the tab key, Shift key, Caps Lock key, Enter key, space key, and Backspace key.

Using keyboard shortcuts in Windows

Using navigation keys

Navigation keys let you move the cursor, navigate documents and web pages, and edit text. The table below contains a list of the main functions of these keys.

Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad contains numbers from 0 to 9, arithmetic signs + (addition), − (subtraction), * (multiplication) and / (division), and a decimal point, just like on a calculator. These symbols are duplicated on other keys, but their location on the numeric keypad allows you to quickly enter numeric data or mathematical symbols with one hand.

To use the numeric keypad to enter numbers, press the Num Lock key. Most keyboards have an indicator light that shows you whether Num Lock is turned on or off. When Num Lock is disabled, the numeric keypad functions as a second set of navigation keys (these functions are depicted on the number and sign keys).

You can also use the numeric keypad to perform simple calculations in the Calculator program.

Controlling the Calculator program from the numeric keypad

1. Open the Calculator program.
2. Look at the keyboard indicator to see if Num Lock is turned on. If Num Lock is disabled, press the key.
3. Using the numeric keypad, enter the first count number.
4. On the numeric keypad, press + to add, − to subtract, * to multiply, or / to divide
5. Enter the next number in the count.
6. To complete the count, press the Enter key.

Three additional keyboard keys

We have already examined almost all the keys that can be used. But for the curious, let's take a look at three of the most mysterious keys on the keyboard: PrtScn, Scroll Lock and Pause/Break.

PrtScn (or Print Screen) key

Once upon a time, this key actually performed the function that its name denotes (i.e. “Print Screen”) - it sent text current screen to the printer. Currently, pressing PrtScn captures an image of the entire screen (takes a “screenshot”) and copies it to the clipboard in the computer’s memory. From there it can be pasted (by pressing the Ctrl + V keys) into Microsoft Paint or another program and, if desired, print from this program.

On some keyboards, the SYS RQ command is also marked on the PrtScn key - it is even more mysterious. Once upon a time, SYS RQ meant “system request” - “ system request", but this command is not available on Windows.

additional information For the Print Screen key, see Taking a screenshot (Print Screen key).

Reference: To capture the image of not the entire screen, but only active window, press Alt + PrtScn .

ScrLk (or Scroll Lock) key

In most programs, pressing Scroll Lock has no effect. In some programs, pressing Scroll Lock changes the behavior of the arrow keys and the Page Up and Page Down keys: pressing these keys causes the document to scroll without changing the cursor position or selection. There may be an indicator light on your keyboard that shows you whether Scroll Lock is enabled.

Pause/Break key

This key is rarely used. In some ancient programs, pressing Pause/Break may pause the program, and pressing Ctrl + Pause/Break may terminate the program.

Other keys

On some modern keyboards There are also “hot keys” or buttons that provide quick, one-touch access to programs, files or commands. Other models have volume controls, scroll and zoom wheels, and other gadgets.

You can learn more about these features from your keyboard or computer manual, or from the manufacturer's website.

Proper use of the keyboard may prevent pain or injury to the wrist and hand, especially when long-term use computer.

Here are some tips to help prevent problems:

• Place the keyboard at elbow level. Your forearms should fall relaxed to your sides.
• Center the keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has separate group number keys, you can consider the space bar as the center point.
• Keep your hands and wrists above the keyboard while typing, so that distant keys can be reached with the movement of the whole hand, and not by stretching the fingers.
• Do not place your palms or wrists on any surface when entering text. If your keyboard has a wrist rest area, use it only when you take breaks from typing.
• While entering text press the keys lightly, your wrists should be straight.
• If you are not entering text, relax your hands.
• Keep it short breaks from working at the computer every 15-20 minutes.

As the name suggests, an on-screen keyboard, or as it is also called, is a keyboard that is displayed on the computer screen. It is used as an alternative to a real keyboard, and allows people to type using a mouse or various other devices.

Generally, there are two main reasons why users use virtual keyboards instead of real ones.

Availability

Using a keyboard as a replacement:

• The user cannot use a real keyboard. For example, people have devices that do not require a physical keyboard, such as communicators and touchscreen devices.
• Search alternative way text input. For example, in order to be able to type text in your native language (for example, there are no stickers on a real keyboard native language). Or, for example, problems with the existing keyboard (the driver in the system is broken, the device is blocked, etc.).

Safety

To increase the level of security and protection against various malicious software(for example, from keyloggers):

• Secure on-screen keyboards will become good helpers to improve security when using public, unsecured or suspicious computers (for example, classrooms, internet cafes, etc.).
• Secure virtual keyboards can help protect your computer from the following types of malware:
  • Keyloggers ( keyloggers) - record all keystrokes
  • Screen logging - create screenshots of the screen at regular intervals or at any time certain actions user
  • Clipboard logging - monitor the contents of the clipboard
  • Fixing the position of the mouse cursor - saves all the coordinates where the mouse clicks were recorded. This type is mainly used to hack bank on-screen keyboards.
  • Capture values ​​in text fields- get all values ​​from text fields, even hidden by a password mask (everyone knows ****)

The good news is that there are a number of special free programs, which will help you enter text safely. However, it must be emphasized that there is no one unique program, which would include all possible functions. Virtual keyboards, decisive issues availability, do not offer any real protection from malicious software. So are they safe on-screen keyboards do not contain any special sets of functions for ease of use. It is also necessary to emphasize that secure on-screen keyboards should be considered as additional remedy for security that can never be replaced specialized programs protection such as firewalls, antiviruses, etc.

IN this review are being considered virtual keyboards that solve accessibility issues.

Review of free on-screen/virtual keyboards

Click-N-Type on-screen keyboard is an excellent analogue to commercial offers

Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard