Dvorak typing system?

[Computer]

I was just looking up the history of how the keyboard came about and learned that there are other systems. one being the DVORAK system. a website told me that you can change your keyboard settings to use this system. I was wondering how to change my keyboard just to try this different typing system out.
I am on Win. XP home.
thanks

[rpertusio]

Have fun typing. You should print out a reference to where all the keys are (even better, if you stick with Dvorak, replace the letters on your actual keys.

Control Panel -> Regional and Language Options -> [Languages] tab

Click on the [Details...] button, and in the window that pops up, press [Add...]. Input Language: English Keyboard Layout/IME: United States-Dvorak


- rp

[zepper]

Even though the original typewriter kbd was laid out so that frequently used letters were scattered so the mechanical key arms wouldn't clash, it has been shown that it really doesn't matter what the layout is re. speed. Equally trained and practiced keyers can go as fast on either.
. It does matter in the amount of work the keyer's hands do to achieve the same volume of work however, so it may allow for more work between breaks. But it also may lead to more RSD problems. Tradeoffs, tradeoffs... I doubt that there are enough Dvorak users out there to constitute a realistic study.
.bh.

[Computer]

thanks for the help. does anyone know of an easy way to remove keys from a key board. i am going to rearange an old keyboard but the keys don't want to come out to easily. I there a trick?
thanks

[Computer]

nvm. I just wasn't prying with the right tool. A butter knife works nicely.

[OuTpaTienT]

Yes a butter knife works great for popping the keys off. But you really shouldn't have to rearrange them. After all, you shouldn't be looking at the keys anyways, ESPECIALLY during the process of learning where they are. You should use a folder or a sheet of large paper attached to the keyboard at the top and allowed to cover the keys. Put your hands under the paper to type. With the paper in place you cannot look at the keys. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY YOU'LL EVER LEARN TO TYPE WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE KEYS. If you make yourself do it and learn to type without looking at the keys, you'll thank me later.

[DanGrease]

Maybe I will try this DVORAK typing system myself. But for now I will just stay with ol' QWERTY

dan

[teengeek88]

hey using this DVORAK thing might be a good idea...... good defense against little brothers and moms wanting to use your computer

[Computer]

i had also thought of that teen geek. Outpatient you are right. I have to switch the keys back to the qwerty system anyway because my parents say they can't type without looking at the keys. I myself can type quite well although maybe not that fast, I don't have to look at the keys. I might have to keep a little cheat sheet with me for a while while i'm learning.

[OuTpaTienT]

That's cool. It doesn't matter if you're slow or not, all that matters is if you look at the keys or not. As long as you don't peek at the keys and make your fingers learn where they need to go, then you're doing great. Because once it becomes second nature to you then typing becomes as transparent as talking. IOW you can type what you're thinking without being distracted by the actual act of typing. If you know what I mean.