What is the reason that the Caps Lock key still is on almost all PC key boards?

Question

The Caps Lock key is almost never used nowadays. On the other hand it is great nuisance if it is touched accidentally. Are there still uses for this irritating key (maybe when writing computer programs)?

Answer 1

Yes, there is a use for this key. Seeing as how the manufaturers of computers are unsure as to how the consumer is going to use their product, and taking into account that most businesses use an all cap format on their documentation, the manufacturers have decided to keep the caps lock key on the computer keyboard to allow those who purchase their product the option of using it for commercial and business use.

Answer 2

Not sure why the key remains. But here are some thoughts.

It's there primarily to allow people to easily do something referred to as flaming. You know, when you're ticked over something that someone else wrote (on the internet), you give emphasis to your venting by responding in all caps.

As an aside, it can also be useful to help motivate people to improve their typing skills--not let their fingers wander all over the keyboard. If you accidentally hit the Caps Lock key, you know you still need practice.

Also, not sure about this either, but I think there are fonts (OCR fonts) that are read by something called an Optical Character Reader and might require the use of uppercase only.

Answer 3

I am in the surveying field and a LOT of legal documents have portions where CAPS is important and I routinely use the caps-lock key about 50 times a day as well as everyone else in my office.

Answer 4

I disagreewith you that the Caps key is not useful. I feel that it's very important, it saves you a lot of hassle if you need to write something all caps. Perhaps you don't use it in your life, but there are plenty of us who need it for our jobs (which don't involve computer programs).

Answer 5

I work for a newspaper and use the caps lock key often. Datelines (i.e. NEW YORK CITY (AP) —) are always all caps. I tried it just using shift and that worked but it was a little bit slower.

Answer 6

when we write algorithm of any program it is always in capital lettes, so what would you prefer typing no of pages with holding shift key by one hand or just switch on the caps key and all other fingers are free for typing..........

if u r not getting my point then try turning it on and type in your usual style......then you will have to hold down the shift key to make it small font........irritating it is, isn't it? same is the case with us.........we find it very useful

Answer 7

It's there for typing in ALL-CAPS, just like it always has. It's a big improvement over "Shift-Lock" at least.

Why do you think it isn't used "nowadays"? What has changed?

Answer 8

Why do you feel that it is not used? Maybe you do not use it, but i use it quite frequently, as I do print work. Remember, different people use computers for many different reasons, not just to IM someone or check email. Some people actually use it to work.

Answer 9

Yes, for the times you have to type in ALL CAPS

There are times where this is still needed, like data entry into lists of some kind, etc.

Answer 10

It is on there to appease those users who want to SCREAM at us a lot.

Maybe it should just be relocated, switched with some other key.