I started using Dvorak about four months ago (in fact, I think this thread inspired it). I still get lots of typos, but I got more with QWERTY (at least, I got more when I was touch typing). I used to type really accurately in QWERTY because I almost always looked at the keyboard as I was typing. Dvorak kind of forces me to be a touch typist . I like Dvorak better despite the increased typos because my hands don't get so tired.
I'm addicted... I can use qwerty, but i don't ever WANT to... i switch every computer I use... the only problem is paswords... im still not 100% sure of the letters on a non-converted keyboard... oh well that will come in time...
I tried Dvorak last fall, but three things kept me from sticking with it:
1. The commands. Yes, I know there is the DQ layout, but I have such a mix of geographical and symbolic connections to the command keys, it's hard to choose which one I want. For the most common stuff, I'm so trained to keep my left hand on the keyboard for cmd:s,f,g,z,x,c,v,q,w, ect. But then for the other stuff (cmd: h,o,n,k), I remember it by the letter, not by the location. GRR. \
2. My passwords. *All* my passwords are alpa-numeric, using the left hand for the letters and the right hand on the number pad. I've done this for so long, that the motor memory is very strong. I know I could change them, but that is such a pain. User names have become automatic, too... much more so than other words.
3. My computers at my work at that time were AS/400 based (good luck finding Dvorak there), and speed is of the essence. I don't think my managers or customers would be too pleased if I suddenly started hunting and pecking for keys.... But now I don't work there anymore, so this item is a moot point. Maybe I'll give it another go.
But.....
Dvorak is *so* comfy! It's like cuddling up next to a fireplace with a good book and some chocolate. Mmmm. I tried it for about five days, and then I was away from computers for a while, and reverted back to QWERTY after deciding that the tradeoffs weren't quite worth it. But, now that I'm out of the AS/400 setting, it might be worth my time. I only type about 40 wpm at QWERTY, so I could improve significantly if I put my head into it.
Bah! I just convinced myself of it. Back to the learning! WHEEE! Here I come Dvorak!
Well, I just read this whole thread, and once I finish my last essay (which should be sometime tomorrow) I'm gonna take the Dvorak plunge. This is exciting!
Well, I just read this whole thread, and once I finish my last essay (which should be sometime tomorrow) I'm gonna take the Dvorak plunge. This is exciting!
I've had reservations about Dvorak, but his game-winning goal tonight against the Dallas Stars was a thing of beauty.
I'm addicted... I can use qwerty, but i don't ever WANT to... i switch every computer I use... the only problem is paswords... im still not 100% sure of the letters on a non-converted keyboard... oh well that will come in time...
well... after a year of full use on this computer... I have completely gone over to dvorak... (WITHOUT switching the keycaps (so other people can use my computer when they need to)).
I can do EVERYTHING with it that I could do before... I do get the occasional hunt for a particular rarely used key, but that usually stems from me being misaligned with the keyboard and hitting the wrong key and then re-aligning and assuming the key that I thought I hit incorrect... (if you can follow that thought, you deserve a medal... but it is the only way I can think to put it...)
as an added plus... my occasional use of qwerty on keyboards in the lab makes me proficient in both layouts...
it is BY FAR the best thing I have ever done for my computing experience (yes-above broadband, airport, and even using a mac)... well, maybe not that last one ...
anyone else still using it as a result of this thread? (or not because of this thread, whatever.)
Yes, i have just passed my first Dvorak anniversary and was inspired by this thread.
For those interested in switching, the DQ mode gives you the best of both worlds (Dvorak typing with QWERTY commands). As a side note, i have noticed that MS Word and Excel are the only programs that don't recognize the QWERTY commands when i am in Dvorak.
I find that while my speed is only about 40 wpm (vs. 25-30 QWERTY) the major difference is the time i can spend typing without feeling tired. A big improvement from QWERTY.
Amorya got me to switch to Dvorak a couple of months ago... Am still getting used to it (have only just really reached the touch-typing phase, and am waiting for my hands to remember where everything is so I make less mistakes...). Sadly, I have to use Qwerty at work (despite being an electronics shop, we have a DOS-based till system...), so I'm a bit slow typing there, but the duel-layouts typing is slowly getting better.
The bad thing was that I have to type fast daily in the lectures, so my notes for this semester are in a bit of a mess... But that's mainly as Time also lost my laptop at the same time, so I couldn't actually type up notes in lectures anyhow.
i tried dvorak out for a while, but i quit (i'm a quitter in many respects). i'll try again (i wonder if i'll still remember where the keys are. i had the home line learned, but not most of the tops or bottoms). if we can keep this thread active, i'll probably continue with my plight.
I rearranged the keys on an old apple pro Keyboard a few months ago and have been using it every so often since, i'm still painfully slow, with it and still use qwerty most of the time but i'm working an becoming multiligual when it come to keyboard arragnments. With dvorak i'm typing at maybe 15-25WPM compared to the 60-70 using qwerty.
Does any body know of a good dvorak typing teacher available for download or cheap purchase for os x.
well, i stuck with it for longer than i expected. i'm still slow, but i'm growing more confident with every key. havent looked at a key layout in days. i'm liking this.
Here's a question for Dvorak users: Which method of keyboard shortcuts do you use, why? I'm tempted towards the "QWERTY Shortcuts" style, where the key positions for keyboard shortcuts are the same. I can't imagine re-learning the positions of shortcuts (a la the position of Z, for Undo)
Here's a question for Dvorak users: Which method of keyboard shortcuts do you use, why? I'm tempted towards the "QWERTY Shortcuts" style, where the key positions for keyboard shortcuts are the same. I can't imagine re-learning the positions of shortcuts (a la the position of Z, for Undo)
Any advice?
I use the full DVORAK layout because I figured I'd need all the help I could get learning the layout. Use whatever works for you.
Here's a question for Dvorak users: Which method of keyboard shortcuts do you use, why?
I use the full Dvorak mode because:
A) It is more ergonomic to use two-key combos from the touch typing position (using the control/option/command key on the opposite side of the keyboard from the alphabetic key).
I also use Dvorak on Linux and Windows, and they don't have this option.
C) Apart from cut, copy, paste, quit (maybe) and a few of the obscure multi key combos I rembered them by letter not position e.g. New, Save, Print or Location (in browsers) are N, S, P & L to me and I had to go looking for them in Qwerty, now I touch-type them in Dvorak.
the dvorak layout is nice, and makes more sense. Mathematicall/statistically it is more effcient...When I was in HS I learned the dvorak just to see if I could do it...
I did, and to this day I have a rearranged PC keyboard with a dvorak layout buried in my attic somewhere, the last time I used this keyboard was in Windows 3.11
I found this method the easiest as it enabled me to hunt and peck during the begining of the learning process...
so it can be learned, and I did find typing with it much 'smarter'...
but since then I have lost the skill and ability to use a dvorak keyboard...
maybe I will try and relearn it on my PC first, with my rearranged keyboard.......
I also have seen a modded out PB where all the keys were "Z" keys using a DVORAK layout...
I guess you could replace all the keys with your favourite letter, or just have them blank...depending on the keyboard you have..
it was pretty cool looking...
talk about theft deterrant..
but now that I think about it, maybe it would be more reason to steal this type of PB...
Holy jpal... I mean holy crap. I just rearranged my keys and am typing with Dvorak for the first time. It has literally taken me 5 minutes to type this.
Holy jpal... I mean holy crap. I just rearranged my keys and am typing with Dvorak for the first time. It has literally taken me 5 minutes to type this.
*phew*
I know the feeling. The "5 minutes to type anything" syndrome goes away in a few days.
Comments
1. The commands. Yes, I know there is the DQ layout, but I have such a mix of geographical and symbolic connections to the command keys, it's hard to choose which one I want. For the most common stuff, I'm so trained to keep my left hand on the keyboard for cmd:s,f,g,z,x,c,v,q,w, ect. But then for the other stuff (cmd: h,o,n,k), I remember it by the letter, not by the location. GRR.
2. My passwords. *All* my passwords are alpa-numeric, using the left hand for the letters and the right hand on the number pad. I've done this for so long, that the motor memory is very strong. I know I could change them, but that is such a pain. User names have become automatic, too... much more so than other words.
3. My computers at my work at that time were AS/400 based (good luck finding Dvorak there), and speed is of the essence. I don't think my managers or customers would be too pleased if I suddenly started hunting and pecking for keys.... But now I don't work there anymore, so this item is a moot point. Maybe I'll give it another go.
But.....
Dvorak is *so* comfy! It's like cuddling up next to a fireplace with a good book and some chocolate. Mmmm. I tried it for about five days, and then I was away from computers for a while, and reverted back to QWERTY after deciding that the tradeoffs weren't quite worth it. But, now that I'm out of the AS/400 setting, it might be worth my time. I only type about 40 wpm at QWERTY, so I could improve significantly if I put my head into it.
Bah! I just convinced myself of it. Back to the learning! WHEEE! Here I come Dvorak!
Originally posted by agent302
Well, I just read this whole thread, and once I finish my last essay (which should be sometime tomorrow) I'm gonna take the Dvorak plunge. This is exciting!
I've had reservations about Dvorak, but his game-winning goal tonight against the Dallas Stars was a thing of beauty.
Originally posted by Paul
I'm addicted... I can use qwerty, but i don't ever WANT to...
well... after a year of full use on this computer... I have completely gone over to dvorak... (WITHOUT switching the keycaps (so other people can use my computer when they need to)).
I can do EVERYTHING with it that I could do before... I do get the occasional hunt for a particular rarely used key, but that usually stems from me being misaligned with the keyboard and hitting the wrong key and then re-aligning and assuming the key that I thought I hit incorrect... (if you can follow that thought, you deserve a medal... but it is the only way I can think to put it...)
as an added plus... my occasional use of qwerty on keyboards in the lab makes me proficient in both layouts...
it is BY FAR the best thing I have ever done for my computing experience (yes-above broadband, airport, and even using a mac)... well, maybe not that last one
anyone else still using it as a result of this thread? (or not because of this thread, whatever.)
For those interested in switching, the DQ mode gives you the best of both worlds (Dvorak typing with QWERTY commands). As a side note, i have noticed that MS Word and Excel are the only programs that don't recognize the QWERTY commands when i am in Dvorak.
I find that while my speed is only about 40 wpm (vs. 25-30 QWERTY) the major difference is the time i can spend typing without feeling tired. A big improvement from QWERTY.
very convenient (although I have accidentally closed windows...)
The bad thing was that I have to type fast daily in the lectures, so my notes for this semester are in a bit of a mess... But that's mainly as Time also lost my laptop at the same time, so I couldn't actually type up notes in lectures anyhow.
Does any body know of a good dvorak typing teacher available for download or cheap purchase for os x.
http://www.mwbrooks.com/dvorak/
http://www.cse.ogi.edu/~dylan/dvorak/dvorak.html
http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/jcb/Dvorak/
http://www.karelia.com/abcd/abcd.html
Those will explain the benefits very well.
Any advice?
Originally posted by Placebo
Here's a question for Dvorak users: Which method of keyboard shortcuts do you use, why? I'm tempted towards the "QWERTY Shortcuts" style, where the key positions for keyboard shortcuts are the same. I can't imagine re-learning the positions of shortcuts (a la the position of Z, for Undo)
Any advice?
I use the full DVORAK layout because I figured I'd need all the help I could get learning the layout. Use whatever works for you.
Originally posted by Placebo
Here's a question for Dvorak users: Which method of keyboard shortcuts do you use, why?
I use the full Dvorak mode because:
A) It is more ergonomic to use two-key combos from the touch typing position (using the control/option/command key on the opposite side of the keyboard from the alphabetic key).
C) Apart from cut, copy, paste, quit (maybe) and a few of the obscure multi key combos I rembered them by letter not position e.g. New, Save, Print or Location (in browsers) are N, S, P & L to me and I had to go looking for them in Qwerty, now I touch-type them in Dvorak.
I just started on Dvorak on Tuesday. Right now I can type without looking, albeit VERY slowly.
(10:20)
I did, and to this day I have a rearranged PC keyboard with a dvorak layout buried in my attic somewhere, the last time I used this keyboard was in Windows 3.11
I found this method the easiest as it enabled me to hunt and peck during the begining of the learning process...
so it can be learned, and I did find typing with it much 'smarter'...
but since then I have lost the skill and ability to use a dvorak keyboard...
maybe I will try and relearn it on my PC first, with my rearranged keyboard.......
I also have seen a modded out PB where all the keys were "Z" keys using a DVORAK layout...
I guess you could replace all the keys with your favourite letter, or just have them blank...depending on the keyboard you have..
it was pretty cool looking...
talk about theft deterrant..
but now that I think about it, maybe it would be more reason to steal this type of PB...
*phew*
Originally posted by murbot
Holy jpal... I mean holy crap. I just rearranged my keys and am typing with Dvorak for the first time. It has literally taken me 5 minutes to type this.
*phew*
I know the feeling. The "5 minutes to type anything" syndrome goes away in a few days.