What is Num Lock on the keyboard

Many people have seen Num Lock, but not everyone knows what it is for. When you turn it on, you will definitely see the LED light light up; if this happens, it means it is in operating mode. Her help is needed when typing numbers in the additional keyboard.

What is the Num Lock button on the keyboard?

Using this key can be compared to working on a calculator. Literally, Num Lock can be translated as fixing, blocking numbers. A quick transition from the cursor to numbers and back by pressing just one key is undoubtedly a convenience when working with a computer. When the mode is turned on, the buttons on the right allow you to dial numbers and codes. When turned off, you can safely use the cursor.

History: how the Num Lock button appeared

This story goes back to 1984, the time of the appearance of the second generation of computers. In order to save money, IBM decided to abandon the rather expensive cursor keys, which were placed separately on the keyboard. By combining several buttons into one, they saved significantly on components, which made the cost of computers much cheaper.

From now on, switching keys to 2 modes: cursor and numeric can be done by pressing just one Num Lock.Now, in the age of constant progress and new products, you may not find such a button on some laptops. Time changes, functionality changes. Even today, it may be necessary to use Num Lock when working with certain programs, texts, and much more.

Meaning of Num Lock keys

When you turn on Num Lock, the meaning of the keys changes. The values ​​could be:

This scheme is suitable for a regular keyboard that has a button. You are using a laptop and there is no button; when reconfiguring, letters will be automatically replaced with numbers. This is different for each device, but basically all the buttons will be on the right side.

Where is Num Lock on the keyboard

When you take a closer look at a standard keyboard, in most cases you will immediately notice Num. It is located in the upper right corner. Having seen the numbers from 1 to 0, you can find it above the number 7. When turned on, the light indicator will light up. On laptops and netbooks it is significantly different. There is no digital one, it is located above the letters at the very top, but the button is present. When pressed, we print in numbers, when turned off, in letters.

In new versions of gadgets, the keyboard is significantly cut down and there is simply no such button. What to do in such a situation?

There are several tips on what to do if you need the button function:

1. The easiest way is to purchase an additional USB keyboard. Its disadvantage is that it requires additional investments. If your occupation often involves typing, working, and going on business trips, the option of an additional keyboard is undoubtedly bad.Not everyone will like to carry around not only a laptop, but also the burden of another keyboard. Has your laptop taken pride of place on your desk and won’t move anywhere? Then yes, this option will work.
2. Once again, carefully examine your PC, look at the names of all buttons. Did you see a button called “Num”? Great, this is what we were looking for. Usually it is located on the F11, F12 keys. By pressing 2 buttons you will activate the same functions as if you had one button. Some keys will be replaced.
3. Using the on-screen keyboard. Perhaps the most effective and simplest way. Suitable for absolutely all gadgets, be it a tablet, laptop or netbook. It's not difficult to find. Go to “Standard Programs”, look for “Special Features” and find “On-Screen Keyboard”. If again there is no necessary button, then move on. In the options you need to click permission on “Enable numeric keypad”.