Virtual Keyboard

 Virtual Keyboard

        is a software component that allows a user to enter characters. A virtual keyboard can usually be operated with multiple input devices, which may include a touchscreen, an actual computer keyboard and a computer mouse.

In one technology, the keyboard is projected optically on a flat surface and, as the user touches the image of a key, the optical device detects the stroke and sends it to the computer. In another technology, the keyboard is projected on an area and selected keys are transmitted as wireless signals using the short-range Bluetooth technology. Theoretically, with either approach, the keyboard could even be projected in space and the user could type by moving fingers through the air.

The term virtual keyboard is sometimes used to mean a soft keyboard , which appears on a display screen as an image map . In some cases, a software-based keyboard can be customized. Depending on the host system and specifc software, the user (who may be someone unable to use a regular keyboard) can use a touch screen or a mouse to select the keys.

keyboard characters with a few clicks of their mouse. Though Apple continues to include the utility in OS X, it has changed its location in the system preferences, moving it from "Language & Text" in Mountain Lion and earlier to the "Keyboard" preference pane.