Unit 2. Keyboarding

Topic B: The base position

Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.

The Home Row

The home row is the set of keys that are the base position for fingers. These are the keys located on the middle row of the keyboard.

A keyboard with two sets of keys in the middle row highlighted. — The home row keys on the keyboard are A, S, D, and F on the left and J, K, L, and the semicolon (;) on the right.

Fingers on each hand have a base position associated with a specific key on the keyboard. Long description available. — [Image Description]

Always try to return your fingers to the base position when you are not typing.
Keyboards usually have small bumps on the F and J keys. They help the users locate the base position without having to look.
Place the index fingers over the “F” and “J” key.

Finger names

Fingers on the right hand with labels, left to right: thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger.

Touch Typing Rules

Colour-coded chart

Always position your fingers properly on the keyboard to press the right keys when typing.
The colour-coded chart below shows which finger should press each key.

A keyboard with the keys grouped into sections. Long description available. — Labelled keyboard. [Image Description]

Correct finger placement

Press all Section A keys with the left little finger
Press all Section B keys with the left ring finger
Press all Section C keys with the left middle finger
Press all Sectio