Within this material, the Scroll lock switch key is described . What is it and why is this element needed on the input device - these are the main issues that are raised here. It first appeared back in the 80s of the last century. Its main purpose is to switch between navigation modes. The easiest way to understand this is with the example of an Excel table processor from Microsoft. In one case, the cursor moves along its cells using the navigation keys (up, down, left and right). And when you turn on the Scroll lock, it does not change its position, the sheet itself begins to move.
Which group of keys does it belong to?
All keys on the keyboard are strictly divided into groups. There are functional, the purpose of which varies depending on the open application. There is also a digital one, which allows much faster processing of numerical information on a personal computer, as well as alphanumeric for text input. On a keyboard, a scroll lock refers to a group of keys. Besides her, there are also Num Lock and Caps Lock. They control other keys. For example, Num Lock switches the numeric keypad mode. In one case, numbers are entered, in the other, navigation is performed. Caps Lock, in turn, changes the case of the alphabetic keyboard. That is, it allows you to enter both upper and lower case letters. These keys are in demand, and so far it is impossible to force them out of use. But Scroll lock was originally used to switch between navigation modes. It used to be very convenient. But now a mouse equipped with a wheel performs similar functions. It is simpler and more convenient. Therefore, this key is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and it can no longer be found on every new keyboard.
In excel
Most often I had to use this key in Microsoft Excel. There were no mice on old computers, so it was impossible to work without a Scroll lock (which is an important switch of navigation modes, do not forget). When the LED is inactive, it is carried out by moving between cells using the cursor keys. When it is turned on, the page moves. Similarly, Scroll lock also works in Lotus Notes. But, as noted earlier, this is irrelevant at the moment, since the same operation can be performed easier and faster using a mouse with scrolling.
Opera
Scroll lock has a special purpose in the Opera browser in combination with a numeric keypad. It can be configured so that certain voice commands will be executed. For some users, this solution can achieve a significant increase in productivity. But so far, such a practice has not received wide distribution.
Punto switcher
Separately, the Scroll lock key is not used in the Punto switcher. But there is one interesting combination. In combination with the Alt key, the selected text can be transliterated using this application. That is, Russian letters are replaced with English. Additionally, there is a settings menu in which you can select the most frequently performed operation and bind it to this key.
Combination
This review will not be complete if you do not specify a system key combination. It consists of holding the right Ctrl and, without releasing it, you must double-click Scroll lock. That this is another option to reboot the system, few know. On older versions of Windows (the last of them 2003 Server), this combination worked. But this application has not received wide distribution and is now no longer supported.
New Use Cases
Time does not stand still. Now scroll lock practically not used for its intended purpose. It was replaced by a mouse with a scroll wheel (it is also called a "scroll"). It is much easier and more convenient to work. Some keyboards already come without this key. But craftsmen will find use for everything. Scroll Lock itself can be programmed to perform a strictly defined action. For example, in a game using it you can carry out the most frequently performed actions. To do this, properly adjust its settings. Do not forget that there is also a Scroll lock indicator, that this can also be used at your discretion. Moreover, it is programmed from a computer. Therefore, some craftsmen tie it to the work of some application, for example, Skype or VKontakte. When a message arrives, this LED lights up, and this indicates that it needs to be read. But such a practice has not yet received wide distribution. This is more an exception than a rule. And to make such a program for a simple user is problematic.
Summary
This article described what Scroll lock is for. Previously, it was impossible to imagine work without it in some programs. But now it has been successfully replaced by a mouse with a wheel to scroll the screen. Therefore, she gradually leaves the household. Not on all new keyboards it is found. But advanced computer experts have found use for him. But this is rather an exception than a rule. Already, this key is not installed on every computer keyboard. As a result, one thing can be said: in the near future it will no longer be possible to meet, because there is no sense in it.