Term of the Moment
automotive Ethernet
Redirected from: Control key blunder
Definition: Control key vs. Caps Lock key
On the original IBM PC in 1981, the Control key was placed left of the A key. In 1985, IBM swapped the location of the frequently used Control key with the rarely used Caps Lock key, making keyboarding more cumbersome for touch typists. Like sheep, all keyboard manufacturers followed suit. Fortunately, the Control key can be restored to its former location using Registry hacks, custom keyboard control panels or programmable keyboards. See Registry, Alt key and PC keyboard.
Swap the Keys
Updated Key Caps
Even the Mac
This earlier Microsoft function restored the Control key to its original location. This was an easy way to make the switch.
This programmable keyboard came with a "puller" to pop off the old Control and Caps Lock key caps and exchange them for new ones. Most keyboards do not come with this bonus. See Avant Stellar keyboard.
Mac keyboards use the same Caps Lock location as PC keyboards, but the Mac control panel allows the modifier keys to be easily changed by the user.