In the framework of this material is describedswitch key Scroll lock. What it is and why this element on the input device is needed - these are the main issues that are addressed here. It first appeared in the 80s of the last century. Its main purpose is to switch between navigation modes. The easiest way to understand this is by the example of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. In one case, the cursor moves through its cells with the help of the navigation keys (up, down, left and right). And when you turn on the Scroll lock, it does not change its position, the sheet itself begins to move.
All keys on the keyboard are strictly separated bygroups. There are functional, the purpose of which varies depending on the open application. There is also a digital one that allows you to process numeric information on a personal computer much faster, and also alphabetic information for entering text. On the keyboard, Scroll lock refers to a group of keys. In addition to it, there is also Num Lock and Caps Lock. They control the other keys. For example, Num Lock toggles the numeric keypad mode. In one case, numbers are entered, in the other, navigation is performed. Caps Lock, in turn, changes the case of the alphabetic keyboard. That is, it allows you to enter both uppercase and lowercase letters. These keys are in demand, and it is not yet possible to oust them from use. But Scroll lock was originally used to switch between navigation modes. Previously, it was very convenient. But now a mouse equipped with a wheel performs similar functions. It is easier and more convenient. Therefore, this key is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and it can no longer be found on every new keyboard.
Most often had to use the datakey in Microsoft Excel. On older computers there was no mouse, so it was impossible to work without the Scroll lock (that this is an important switch of navigation modes, do not forget). When the LED is inactive, it is performed by moving between cells using the cursor movement keys. When it is turned on, the page moves. Similarly, Scroll lock also works in Lotus Notes. But, as noted earlier, this is irrelevant at the current moment, since the same operation can be easier and faster with the help of a mouse with scrolling.
Особое назначение Scroll lock имеет в браузере Opera combined with a numeric keypad. It can be configured so that certain voice commands will be executed. For some users, this solution allows for a significant increase in performance. But while this practice is not widespread.
Separately, the key Scroll lock is not used in Puntoswitcher. But there is one interesting combination. In combination with the Alt key, the selected text can be transliterated using this application. That is, Russian letters are replaced by English. Additionally, there is a setup menu in which you can select the most frequently performed operation and link it to this key.
This review will not be complete if you do not specifysystem key combination. It consists of clamping the right Ctrl and, without releasing it, you must double-click Scroll lock. That this is another option to restart the system, few know. On older versions of Windows (the last of which is 2003 Server), this combination worked. But such an application was not widely adopted and is no longer supported.
Time does not stand still. Now Scroll lock practically not used in its directpurpose. It was supplanted by a mouse with a scroll wheel (it is also called a scroll). So much easier and more convenient to work. Some keyboards already come without a given key. But craftsmen will find a use for everything. The Scroll Lock itself can be programmed to perform a specific action. For example, in a game with the help of it you can perform the most frequently performed actions. To do this, properly adjust its settings. Do not forget that there is another indicator Scroll lock, that it can also be used at your discretion. Especially since it is programmed from a computer. Therefore, some craftsmen attach it to the work of some application, for example, Skype or VKontakte. When a message arrives, this LED lights up, and this indicates that it should be read. But this practice has not yet received much distribution. This is the exception rather than the rule. Yes, and to make such a program a simple user is problematic.
This article has described whatneed a scroll lock. Previously, to present work without it in some programs was impossible. But now it was successfully replaced by a mouse with a wheel for scrolling the screen. Therefore, it gradually goes out of use. Not all new keyboards, it is found. But advanced computer experts have found a use for it. But this is the exception rather than the rule. Now this key is not installed on every computer keyboard. As a result, we can say one thing: in the near future, it can no longer be met, since there is no point in it.