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gondwanalon's avatar

Why do some computer keyboards have a "NUM LOCK" Key?

Asked by gondwanalon (23206points) June 19th, 2010

My research into this indicates that before the invention of arrow keys the NUM LOCK key converted some of the number keys into arrow keys. That’s cool, but Dell and some other computer keyboards like HP are still being made with arrow and NUM LOCK keys. This presents me with a slight irritation. I frequently (by accident) hit the NUM LOCK key while typing in the numbers pad at work causing me to waste time by redoing my work. I was thinking about super gluing the NUM LOCK key in the up position but everyone would know that I did it. So why are NUM LOCK keys still on some of the latest computer keyboards?

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4 Answers

dpworkin's avatar

You can download macros which let you reassign keys. Numlock was for incomplete keyboards without a number pad.

FireMadeFlesh's avatar

When you have to type a whole string of numbers, it can be faster than using the alternate number keys. Computer manufacturers are always reluctant to decrease functionality.

jerv's avatar

There are certain programs where you want to use the numpad as arrow keys while others you want the numbers, and the “NUM LOC” key allows for that.

Personally, I turn the NUM LOCK off when I am not typing for just that reason; easier access to the arrow keys, Page Up/Down, and Home/End.

As for “incomplete keyboards”, neither of my laptops have a NUM LOCK key; there is a different keystroke (Fn + F11) that does the same thing.

molave's avatar

NUM LOCK does not just convert number keys into arrow keys. It toggles it back and forth. Therefore:

If NUM LOCK light is on, the keys are LOCKed to NUMerals.
So hitting 8 outputs “8”

If NUM LOCK light is off, the keys are not locked to numerals.
So hitting 8 outputs “up arrow”

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