Lock key

LOCK is a function that locks part of a keyboard's keys into a distinct mode of operation, depending on the lock settings selected.

Description

Most keyboards have three different types of lock functions:

• Number Lock – Num Lock. Allows the user to type numbers by pressing the keys on the number pad, rather than having them act as up, down, left, right, page up, end, and so forth. Usually located in the upper left corner of the number pad.
• Capital Lock – Caps Lock. When enabled, letters the user types will be in uppercase by default rather than lowercase. Located at left end of the keyboard, above the left shift key. Also while Caps Lock is engaged, typically the shift key instead adjusts the now-capital letter keys to type in lowercase.
• Scrolling Lock – Scroll Lock. In some applications, such as spreadsheets, the lock mode is used to change the behavior of the cursor keys to scroll the document instead of the cursor. Usually located to the right of the function keys.

Some laptops and compact keyboards also have a Function Lock - FN Lock. On these devices, a Fn modifier key is used to combine keys to save room and add non-standard functionality; a common use is merging the row with keys F1- F12 with keys that adjust settings such as display brightness, media volume and playback, and keyboard illumination. Fn Lock toggles the default output of these keys.

Location

The lock keys are scattered around the keyboard. Most styles of keyboards have three LEDs indicating which locks are enabled, in the upper right corner above the numpad. Some ergonomic keyboards instead place the lock indicators in between the key split. Some brands of keyboards have a function mode key (also called F mode or Office Lock), and may replace the scroll lock indicator with an office lock indicator. Office Lock, when enabled, will enable alternate functions of the function keys, meant for use with various word processing or email programs.

References

IBM PC keyboard (Windows, ANSI US layout)
Esc		F1	F2	F3	F4		F5	F6	F7	F8		F9	F10	F11	F12		PrtScn/ SysRq	Scroll Lock	Pause/ Break
																	Insert	Home	PgUp		Num Lock	∕	∗	−
																	Delete	End	PgDn		7	8	9	+
																					4	5	6
																		↑			1	2	3	Enter
																	←	↓	→		0    Ins		.  Del