Why are there two sets of number keys in a keyboard?

Question

and what is "num lock"?

Answer 1

The second set of numbers is there for accounting and calculator work. The num lock key makes that second number pad used for directional arrows and a few other functions instead of numbers.

Answer 2

On the right hand side of your key board there is a little key pad, you can type numbers with it easier with it, num lock activates the numbers on those keys, if num lock is off, they become what they say below the numbers, such as arrow keys. This little number keyboard is helpfull for buisnesses

Answer 3

Ever wonder why accountants and bank tellers never use laptops when dealing with debits and credits? Because laptops dont have that second set of number keys. Num lock on, you can use the numbers. Num lock off, you cant use them.

Answer 4

The set on the right side is for when you are calculating something, so that it's easy to use numbers; the one on top of letters, is for the time you're using both alphabets & numbers, so you won't have to alter from rghit to left frequently. Laptops, Palm PCs, etc. and some of keyboards don't have the number set on the right side, so that they are smaller.

If you look at the number keys on the right side, you'll notice some other words on them depending on you keyboard(e.g. mine hase "home" for key "7", "end" for key "1", and so on. When the "num lock" is off, if you press these keys, no numbers will be typed & instead you can use these keys as "home', "end", etc. (some shortcuts actually)

(10 points for me? ;) )

Answer 5

The first set of number keys is in the top row of the keyboard just above the 'QWERTY' row, but below the function keys. (The function keys are a row of keys with F and a number on each one of them e.g. F1, F2.. etc)

The second set of numeric keys on a keyboard is what is called asthe 'numeric keypad' towards the right of the keyboard. (The numeric keypad is not available on laptop computers' keyboard, to save space).

The top left corner key of the numeric keypad is the 'num lock' key. This key toggles the function of the numeric keypad between numbers and arrows. When the 'Num Lock' light on the keyboard is glowing the numeric keypad functions as a numeric keypad, when the light is not glowing, it functions like arrow keys with 8 as thee up arrow, 2 down arrow, 4 left and 6 right.

Answer 6

The numlock is what you need to have ON in order to use the numbered keypad on the right hand side. Its used more like a calculator. Especially by banks etc for entering numbers, accounts, figures etc.

The keys that have symbols above the numbers are used more for the symbols than anything. I guess whoever is responsible for creating the keyboard decided to pack in double the features.

Its far more easier to use the numbered keypad on the right compared to the numbers lined up in numerical order on the symbol keys.

Answer 7

Keyboards have 2 units of huge sort keys for assorted motives, one in all which being that the keys on the excellent hand element of the keyboard are equivalent to a calculator. The keys on the precise of the keyboard are there so as that they are interior of finger attain and that they are extensively utilized to flow into in symbols at the same time with ! @ # $ % ^

Answer 8

The top row of numbers is there for standardization purposes to be similar to the QWERTY keyboard format. The numbers on the side are designed to operate more like a calculator. People who work with numbers on a regular basis would find this feature more convienient.

Answer 9

hey they are needed one as there is need of both cases.
also num lock is a key which allows a user to use numerickeypad.
anything more u want to know u can contact me as its my field of interest.

Answer 10

Some people are skilled with key entry (the one on the right); some who learned touch typing learned with the numbers on top.