# Pause/Break

> Key on a PC keyboard

**Wikidata**: [Q588105](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q588105)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Break_key)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pause-break

## Summary
The Pause/Break key is a physical button on a PC keyboard used to pause or interrupt processes. It is part of the standard computer keyboard layout and has been a feature on PC keyboards since their early development.

## Key Facts
- The Pause/Break key is classified as a computer key, which is a physical button on a computer keyboard
- It is part of the computer keyboard device, which comprises an arrangement of buttons or keys used to input text in computers
- The key has 20 sitelink counts across various language Wikipedias
- It has multiple aliases including Pause key, break key, ⎉, pause break, Pausa/Interrumpir, Inter, Break, and Pause
- The key has a freebase ID of /m/01gyw
- It is categorized under the Commons category "Break key"
- The key is available in 9 Wikipedia languages: Arabic, Czech, German, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Italian, and Japanese
- It has a Wikidata description as "Key on a PC keyboard"
- The key has an associated icon and image available on Wikimedia Commons
- It has a discontinued Microsoft Academic ID of 90841918

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Pause/Break key used for?
A: The Pause/Break key is used to pause or interrupt processes on a computer, particularly in DOS and BIOS environments. It can also be used in combination with other keys for various functions in different applications.

### Q: Where is the Pause/Break key located on a keyboard?
A: The Pause/Break key is typically located in the upper right section of a standard PC keyboard, often near the Print Screen and Scroll Lock keys. Its exact position may vary slightly depending on the keyboard manufacturer and layout.

### Q: Is the Pause/Break key still relevant in modern computing?
A: While the Pause/Break key is less commonly used in modern graphical user interfaces, it still serves important functions in certain contexts, such as debugging software, accessing BIOS settings, and in some specialized applications or games.

## Why It Matters
The Pause/Break key represents an important piece of computing history and functionality. Originally designed for use in command-line interfaces and early operating systems, it provided users with a crucial way to interrupt or pause processes, which was essential for debugging and system management. Although its use has diminished with the rise of graphical user interfaces, the key remains a standard feature on most PC keyboards, serving as a bridge between modern computing and its text-based roots. The Pause/Break key's persistence on keyboards also demonstrates the importance of maintaining backward compatibility in computing, allowing users to access legacy functions and troubleshoot older systems. Its presence on modern keyboards serves as a reminder of the evolution of user interfaces and the ongoing need for low-level system control in certain computing scenarios.

## Notable For
- Being one of the original function keys on early PC keyboards, dating back to the IBM PC
- Serving as a crucial debugging tool in DOS and early Windows environments
- Maintaining its position on standard keyboard layouts despite changes in user interface design
- Having multiple aliases and representations across different languages and keyboard layouts
- Being part of the "breakout box" of keys in the upper right corner of standard keyboards

## Body
### Historical Context
The Pause/Break key has been a standard feature on PC keyboards since the introduction of the IBM Personal Computer in 1981. It was designed to provide users with a way to pause the execution of programs and to break into system processes, which was particularly useful in the text-based computing environments of the time.

### Technical Functionality
In its primary function, the Pause/Break key sends a specific signal to the computer's operating system. In DOS and early Windows environments, this key could be used to pause the scrolling of text on the screen or to interrupt a running program. In modern contexts, it often works in combination with other keys to perform various functions, such as pausing games or media playback.

### Variations and Compatibility
While the basic functionality of the Pause/Break key has remained consistent, its exact behavior can vary depending on the operating system and the specific application being used. Some keyboards may label the key as "Pause/Break," while others might use just "Pause" or "Break." In some cases, particularly on laptop keyboards, the functionality might be accessed through a combination of keys due to space constraints.

### Modern Usage
Although the Pause/Break key is less frequently used in everyday computing tasks, it still serves important functions in specific scenarios. For example, it can be used to pause the output of command-line programs, to access BIOS settings during system startup, or as part of keyboard shortcuts in certain applications. Its continued presence on keyboards also allows for compatibility with older software and systems that rely on this key for specific functions.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013