Introduction - IBM 3270 Operator's Manual

The Data Entry keyboard combines the best features of the
standard typewriter keyboard with those of the familiar key-
punch keyboard. The alphabet keys are arranged according to
the standard typewriter touch system, and a group of the
right-hand keys serves two purposes, for digits as well as letters.
These keys are arranged exactly like the corresponding keys on a
keypunch keyboard. A rapid three-finger touch system for the
numeric keys can be used from the normal home position of the
standard alphabetic keyboard. The touch system for the 10
numeric keys is: index finger for the 1, 4, and 7; middle finger
for the 2, 5, and 8; and ring finger for the 0, 3, 6, and 9.
All other keys that have two characters on the key face also
have two purposes. The character displayed is determined by
which of the two keyboard modes (Alphabetic or Numeric) the
keyboard is in when the key is pressed. Alphabetic Mode is the
normal state of the keyboard, and the lower character on the key
face displays when you press the key with the keyboard in this
mode. To display the upper character, you must shift the
keyboard into Numeric Mode. This is done by pressing the
NUMERIC key or the NUM LOCK key. A more detailed
discussion of these keys is presented later.
Whenever the cursor enters a program-defined numeric input
field on your screen, the display station will automatically shift
the keyboard to Numeric Mode. After you have keyed your
input digits into the field, and as the cursor leaves the numeric
field, the keyboard shifts back to Alphabetic Mode. This permits
you to key an alphabetic field with both hands. Then, without
shifting your hands from the home position or pressing any keys
to shift modes, you can key a numeric field with the right hand
only. While keying in the numeric field, your left hand is free for
document handling if it is required. As you become a skilled
operator, this feature will aid you in increasing your working
speed.
If the cursor has entered a program-defined numeric input
field, placing the keyboard in Numeric Mode, and if you must
enter one or more alphabetic characters, press the ALPHA shift
key which is provided for this situation; then, key in the desired
alphabetic characters.
Data Entry Keyboard
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Introduction
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