Does anyone actually use the 'insert' key?? Why does it exist??

Question

You're typing, typing, typing and you make a mistake, so you go back and start typing and before you know it, you look up and half your sentence is gone!!

Answer 1

The Insert key is found only on PC keyboards. It is a toggle key that determines what happens when you type new characters within an existing line of text or numbers. When the Insert key is on, the new text that you type is inserted at the cursor location and the text already in place is moved to the right. When the Insert key is off, new text overwrites the text that is on the screen to the right of the cursor. Most programs turn the Insert key off, and there is usually little reason for the average user to turn it on. There is usually no visual indication of whether the Insert key is on or off.

Answer 2

I use the insert key to "type over" text that is already existing. Example, when updating my webpage, instead of deleting what I had typed last time, I use the insert key and it will type over the existing text. It makes it really easy for me to update!

Answer 3

The key is somewhat a throw back to early DOS computers or stone age computers. It does have a function today though, when you are word processing it allows you to either overwrite the present text or insert in between it

Answer 4

Insert keys when enabled are designed to overwrite the letters as you type. It may not be of great use to us, but surelly will be handy for thouse who work with text in great volumes. I have seen one person, a proof reader use this extensively.

Answer 5

Its a left over key from an earlier age. Its still used with emulator programs that access IBM mainframe computers.

Answer 6

Also just press the insert key to get rid of the overtype function.

Answer 7

When typing into certain pre-made forms, I find it extremely useful.

Answer 8

it exists on the keyboard right over the arrow keys.