What does the escape key on the keyboard mean?

Any PC/AT computer keyboard has special keys in English and means something. The arrangement of buttons on it follows a single scheme, each one is necessary for something. There are more than 100 of them. One of them is “Escape” (Esc), which plays an important role in the functioning of the keyboard. Without it, it is impossible to imagine the full use of a computer.

What does "Esc" mean?

“Escape” literally translates from English as “to run away” or “to escape.” In Russian it is pronounced as "Escape". Distinctive features:

• on most devices it is located separately from the rest, in the upper left corner;
• computer component manufacturers have deliberately placed it at a distance to avoid accidental pressing while working or playing;
• has a standard square shape.

Pressing “Escape” cancels the last action or returns to the previous state. If this, of course, is provided by an open window.

Escape functions

Intended for:

• to cancel the last executed command (you can also use the combination CTRL+Z);
• if you need to urgently exit a program or application to the main screen or desktop (this is usually used in various computer games);
• for collapsing an open window;
• for an emergency exit when the computer freezes, when the mouse stops working (the tandem of ALT and F4 performs the same function);
• to move to a directory or list that is higher in the hierarchical list than the current one (alternative to ALT+TAB);
• in Microsoft OfficeExcel and Open OfficeCalc to cancel the last character typed;
• to cancel the last selection;
• in a hotkey combination.

ATTENTION. "Escape" can perform all of the listed functions or only some of them (depending on the running application or program).

Hotkeys

For the convenience of users and to speed up work on a personal computer, various combinations, so-called “hot buttons,” are used. They quickly open the necessary windows and programs with one click. Thanks to this, users save their time and nerves from unnecessary actions.

The most popular and necessary combinations:

• In Word Excel, Ctrl + Escape (back) corresponds to Win, which is usually missing on older keyboards.
• Pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously opens the Task Manager. You can also use the combination CTRL+ALT+DEL.
• Ctrl + Back + Win opens Start.
• Pressing Esc and Alt transitions between windows in a certain order. Switching occurs cyclically.
• The combination Back + Win closes Magnifier.

Also in the top row there are several buttons starting with the letter F (F1, F2, and so on). They help you control your computer without using a mouse. With their help, you can manage folders, change their names, cut text and perform other actions. Highly qualified programmers do not even use a mouse; they perform all actions with them.

Most ordinary users have been working on a computer for many years, but still do not know the purpose of F. On modern keyboards, each button has a small design indicating the action it performs. You can see their meaning in the instructions or search on the Internet.

Replacing a key

If necessary, the location of the “Escape” can be changed. This is especially true for laptops.

NOTE. If the Escape breaks, it will be very difficult to replace. In some cases this is completely impossible.

Replacement is carried out using software. Products can be:

• purchase at any specialized store (licensed);
• download on the site, but no one guarantees that it will work normally and will not be a pirated copy.

IMPORTANT. Replacement of functionality is carried out using a program where the user himself sets the necessary parameters. You can leave the button in its place and use another one, or rearrange it. Such manipulations are often used by programmers and users, for whom Escape sometimes has an inconvenient location.

Types of keyboards - where is the key located?

Location:

• Devices with a QWERTY layout are standard. However, some developers are trying to make “Esp” more convenient to use using permutations. As a rule, this innovation suits only a certain category of users. Therefore, such keyboards are mainly made to order in limited quantities.
• To save space in laptops, the keys are placed close to each other, almost right next to each other. In this regard, “Escape” is pressed accidentally. This leads to undesirable and irreversible consequences.
• “Escape” is placed at a distance from the main keys.
• On components for gaming computers and laptops, this button is generally disabled or a jumper is installed to avoid unplanned pressing.

As it became clear, “Escape” is one of the main buttons on the keyboard. Without it, it is impossible to fully use all the functionality of the operating system. In various combinations with other buttons, it simplifies and speeds up work on the computer for users, making it possible to abandon the mouse.