What does the control key do?

The control key, often marked "Ctrl" or "CTL" on the computer keyboard, is a special type of key called Modifier key to be pressed in combination with one or more keys. Its exact function depends on the use of software and operating system, but most often performs common features such as document storage, printing and copying/insertion procedures. The name of the control key comes from the original purpose in the Teletpe machines, where it was used to control the aspects of the machine operation. Instead, these key types are designed to be used in conjunction with other keyboard keys known as a key combination. Most computer users are familiar with a combination of gearshift keys in which the shift key is used in combination with another key to produce the upper case charters. The control key also modifies the usual key output, but generally changes the output to the command or function rather than a special character. For example, holding the holding while pressing the "Q" key (Ctrl+Q) leaves the application while Ctrl+P can be boundlive to print a document or website.

The exact impact that a combination of control keys depends on the software and operating system used. Press Ctrl+R in many web browsers to reload the web page, while the same combination of keys in the text processing program often matches the paragraph to the right. Common features such as savings, printing and copying/insertion are generally the same across many types of programs, while other functions may be specific to a particular program or even the individual elements of this program. More complex combinations involving up to four keys are possible; In many cases, users can adapt these COMs to perform operations they want. In some operating systems, the usual control key functions are replaced by another modifier key, while the control key itself is used for a separate purpose. Users can some of these SN combinationsADNO to find consulting with a manual or searching for an online "keyboard shortcut" and a program name.

Like many other computer keyboard elements, the control key is the remains of the former technology that has been updated and adapted to remain relevant in modern computing environments. Originally found on Teletpe machines, the control key created special keys that were not printed or displayed on the screen, but controlled some aspects of the machine's operation. Some examples of these codes, which were known as control characters, include Ctrl+J for line inlet, Ctrl+H for backward space and even Ctrl+G to ring the bell in the terminal.

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