Scroll lock: what is this key and why is it needed?

In this material, the Scroll lock key is described . What it is and why this item on the input device is needed - these are the main issues that are touched upon here. It first appeared in the eighties of the last century. Its main purpose is to switch between navigation modes. The simplest way to understand this is with the Excel spreadsheet processor from Microsoft. In one case, the cursor moves around 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 starts 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 that allows you to process numerical information on a personal computer much faster, and also alphabetical - to enter text. On the keyboard, Scroll lock refers to a group of keys. In addition to it, there is also Num Lock and Caps Lock. They control other keys. For example, Num Lock toggles the operation mode of the numeric keypad. In one case, digits are entered, in the other case, navigation is performed. Caps Lock, in turn, changes the case of the alphabetic keyboard. That is, it allows you to enter both uppercase and lowercase letters. These keys are in demand, and they are still impossible to dislodge from use. But Scroll lock was originally used to switch between navigation modes. Previously, it was very convenient. But now the mouse has a similar function, equipped with a wheel. It's easier and more convenient. Therefore, this key is gradually disappearing into the past, and it's not on every new keyboard you can find.

In Excel

Most often I had to use this key in Microsoft Excel. On older computers there were no mice, so it was impossible to work without Scroll lock (which is an important switch of the navigation modes, do not forget). When the LED is inactive, it is carried out by moving between cells using the arrow keys. When it is on, the page is moving. Similarly, Scroll lock also works in Lotus Notes. But, as noted earlier, this is irrelevant at the moment, since the same operation can be done more easily and quickly with a mouse with scrolling.

Opera

A special purpose Scroll lock has in the Opera browser in combination with a numeric keypad. It can be configured so that certain voice commands are executed. To some users, such a solution allows achieving a significant increase in productivity. But so far this practice has not become widespread.

Punto switcher

Separately, the Scroll lock key is not used in the Punto switcher. But there is one interesting combination. In conjunction with the Alt key, the selected text can be transliterated using this application. That is, Russian letters are replaced with English letters. In addition, there is a setup menu in which you can select the most frequently performed operation and bind it to this key.

Combination

This review will not be complete unless you specify a system key combination. It consists of compressing the right Ctrl and, without releasing it, you need to press the Scroll lock twice. This is another version of the system reboot, few know. On older versions of Windows (the last one of them 2003 Server), this combination worked. But this application has not received widespread use and is not supported now.

New uses

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"). So much easier and more convenient to work with. Some keyboards already go without this key. But folk craftsmen will find everything useful. "Scroll Lock" itself can be programmed to perform a strictly defined action. For example, in the game with it, you can perform the most frequently performed actions. To do this, properly adjust its settings. Do not forget that there is also a Scroll lock indicator, that it can also be used at your own discretion. Moreover, it is programmed from a computer. Therefore some folk craftsmen tie it to the work of some application, for example, "Skype" or "VKontakte". When the message arrives, this LED lights up, and this indicates that it needs to be read. But this practice has not yet become widespread. This is, rather, an exception than the rule. Yes, and make such a program for a simple user is problematic.

Results

In this article, I described what Scroll lock is for. Previously, it was impossible to imagine a job without it in some programs. But now it was successfully replaced by a mouse with a wheel for scrolling the screen. Therefore, it gradually disappears from use. It does not appear on all new keyboards. But advanced computer specialists have found use for it. But this is, rather, an exception than the rule. Already, not every computer keypad installs this key. As a result, one thing can be said: in the near future it will no longer be possible to meet, since there is no sense in it.