When did Return become Enter?

Community Bar Sport
1

On the keyboard. I do remember as a very young lad there being a Return key on the computers. Like a typewriter had. Somewhere along the line that became the Enter key. But damned if I can put my finger on when it happened.

Press Return for more options.

2

Probably about the same time the "Any" key disappeared :wink:

3

Or about the same time "SCREEN LOCK" found a smart phone and became "scrlk" etc etc...

4

:o

5

CrossRoads:
Probably about the same time the "Any" key disappeared :wink:

+1
:smiley:

As looked to my keyboard, there are none of mentioned keys (Return, Enter, Any).

6

Between the ASR Teletype model 33 and the second or third generation PC.
VT100 still had return.
Oh the good old days . . .

.

7

FWIW, The relevant key on my 2011 MBP says both "return" and "enter". Return is in slightly larger print.

8

@LarryD
We still have VT520 + LK461 in computer room and the Return key is there.

9

I always have to look at my keyboard to remember which is the correct term when I'm writing instructions that involve that key.

10

I think it was an IBM PC thing. Looks like the original IBM PC (1981) has a "return-like" arrow, but the PC/AT labeled the key "enter." IBM PC keyboard - Wikipedia

Apple keyboards still say "return" (some of them say "enter" as well.)

11

It is necessary to return before one can enter.

If you are already inside you can only exit.

...R

12

Robin2:
It is necessary to return before one can enter.

Not true. You can go somewhere that you've never been before and enter there. You have not returned to that place.

13

14

Henry_Best:
Not true. You can go somewhere that you've never been before and enter there. You have not returned to that place.

Pedant :slight_smile:

...R

15

20th November 2012

I concede this only applies to the UK

16

Robin2:

Not true. You can go somewhere that you've never been before and enter there. You have not returned to that place.

Pedant :slight_smile:

Maybe I'm a Time Lord. :slight_smile:

17

Ballscrewbob:
Or about the same time "SCREEN LOCK" found a smart phone and became "scrlk" etc etc...

But it's always been an abbreviation for "Scroll Lock". I think the only program in widespread use that uses it is Excel and it really confuses people when they hit it accidentally. Everything else works fine except for Excel.

18

Hasn't always been "scrlck" I can remember keyboards with "SCREEN LOCK"

19

Ballscrewbob:
Hasn't always been "scrlck" I can remember keyboards with "SCREEN LOCK"

My wireless, UK layout, keyboard, purchased new less than a year ago, has a "Scroll Lock" key.

20

iOS virtual keyboards have 'return'.