Keyboard Testing

Testing Keyboards

Keyboards are tested for functionality. The good ones are then distributed throughout the facility.

The bad ones are recycled.

This is a PS2 keyboard connector.

This is a USB keyboard connector.

Mac Keyboards

The ⏏ (Eject) button for all Macintosh or Apple keyboards is located on the upper right-hand corner of the keyboard, as shown below.

• These keyboards make the Cut
• 
• 
• 

Older Mac keyboards do not have this button; an example USB keyboard is shown here:

Note the absence of the eject key on the upper right-hand corner

Testing Instructions

• Turn the computer on.
• Connect the keyboard to the system using the extender on the right, or the USB port in front.
  • To test a Macintosh or Apple keyboard, select the "Apple Layout".
  • To test standard keyboards, select the standard "104-key Layout".
  • Select CONTINUE.
• Go through and test every key.
  • You will see on the screen what looks like a keyboard. Press a key on your keyboard.
  • If the corresponding key on the screen turns black, it works.
  • If the key does nothing, it does not work.
• If any keys do not work, RECYCLE the keyboard.
  • When you have determined that a keyboard does not work, cut off the cord.
  • Put the cord in the metal shopping cart in the main receiving room.
  • Put keyboards in the shopping cart closest to you.
    • When a cart gets full, notify a staff member.
• When you have finished testing a keyboard, hit "Reset" to reset the image in the program.
• Place working keyboards in the appropriate boxes.
  • When a box gets full, ask a staff member where it goes.
• Plug in a new keyboard and start all over!

Notes from Free Geek Vancouver

The Finer Points of Keyboard Sorting