Alt key

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Alt key

The Alt key, or alternate key, is a modifier key on a computer keyboard that allows users to access alternative functions of other keys when pressed in combination. It is commonly used for shortcuts, special characters, and other special commands.

What does Alt key mean?

The Alt key (short for “Alternate” key) is a modifier key found on most computer keyboards. It is typically located on the Left and right sides of the spacebar, next to the Ctrl and Windows keys. The Alt key is used in combination with other keys to perform specific actions or access special characters.

When the Alt key is pressed alone, it does not typically have any effect. However, when it is pressed in combination with other keys, it can perform a variety of functions, depending on the Software or operating system being used. For example, in Microsoft Windows, pressing Alt + F4 closes the active window, while Alt + Tab Switches between open windows.

The Alt key is also used to access special characters, such as accented letters and symbols. To do this, press and hold the Alt key while typing the corresponding character code on the numeric keypad. For example, to type the é character, press and hold Alt while typing 0233 on the numeric keypad.

Applications

The Alt key is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Keyboard shortcuts: The Alt key is used in combination with other keys to perform keyboard shortcuts. This can save time and effort, as it allows you to perform common tasks without having to use the mouse. For example, in Microsoft Word, pressing Alt + F + S saves the active document.
  • Menu navigation: The Alt key is used to access menus in many software applications. To do this, press the Alt key and then press the key that corresponds to the desired menu item. For example, in Microsoft Excel, pressing Alt + F opens the File menu.
  • Special characters: The Alt key is used to access special characters, such as accented letters and symbols. This can be useful for typing text in foreign languages or for creating special symbols.

History

The Alt key was first introduced on the IBM PC keyboard in 1981. It was originally called the “Alternate” key, and it was intended to be used as a modifier key for special functions. Over time, the Alt key has become increasingly important, and it is now used in a wide variety of applications.

The Alt key has undergone several changes over the years. In the early days of personal computing, the Alt key was often used to access the BIOS setup menu. However, as computers became more advanced, the BIOS setup menu was Moved to a different key combination. Today, the Alt key is primarily used for keyboard shortcuts and menu navigation.