You are now entering the PC Anatomy portal

Explore the areas of information pertaining to all things computer based
with many assorted selections of inquiry to further delve into this realm.

main pic

Num Lock

index img

Num Lock, short for Number Lock, is a toggle key on computer keyboards that switches the numeric keypad between two functions: numerical input and cursor control. When Num Lock is on, the keypad operates as a calculator, typing numbers. When Num Lock is off, the keys act as navigation keys, performing functions like moving the cursor, and other editing functions, such as Page Up and Page Down.

When Num Lock is ON: The keys on the numeric keypad (\(0-9\)) will type their corresponding numbers and symbols. An indicator light on the keyboard will typically turn on to show the function is active. 

When Num Lock is OFF: The keys on the numeric keypad perform other functions, such as:

Arrow keys: To move the cursor. 
Home: To move the cursor to the beginning of a line. 
End: To move the cursor to the end of a line. 
Page Up/Page Down: To scroll up or down a page. 

On some smaller laptops that lack a dedicated numeric keypad, the Num Lock key may be combined with another key to turn a section of the main keyboard into a temporary number pad. To use this feature, you may need to press the "Fn" (Function) key in combination with the "Num Lock" key.