Switch To Dvorak
Baba Gyani Triviani said:
"I don't want a claw for a hand"
Every time I think about the long hours of time spent by a programmer on the computer, I am reminded of the Chandler (from Friends) after playing Pacman (or Ms Chomp) where his hand becomes like a claw. RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) and Carpel Tunnels Syndrome are two scary after effects of keyboard overuse. I had heard of the Dvorak keyboard quite a long time back, and I thought it is about time I use this. I know a couple of people who use Dvorak and I thought, I think it is time for me to try it out as well.
How to proceed? One is to purchase a Dvorak keyboard. But I am not sure if I will be comfortable replacing the Qwerty. I mean, what if I lose interest after a few days? So, it is better to experiment with the existing keyboard and then if I like it, maybe buy one. So, I thought I should share whatever I found out with you guys to facilitate a switch. If you have some more info, let me know so that I can update my post.
On Windows XP
"I don't want a claw for a hand"
Every time I think about the long hours of time spent by a programmer on the computer, I am reminded of the Chandler (from Friends) after playing Pacman (or Ms Chomp) where his hand becomes like a claw. RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) and Carpel Tunnels Syndrome are two scary after effects of keyboard overuse. I had heard of the Dvorak keyboard quite a long time back, and I thought it is about time I use this. I know a couple of people who use Dvorak and I thought, I think it is time for me to try it out as well.
How to proceed? One is to purchase a Dvorak keyboard. But I am not sure if I will be comfortable replacing the Qwerty. I mean, what if I lose interest after a few days? So, it is better to experiment with the existing keyboard and then if I like it, maybe buy one. So, I thought I should share whatever I found out with you guys to facilitate a switch. If you have some more info, let me know so that I can update my post.
On Windows XP
- Open Control Panel, and open Regional and Language Options
- Click on the Languages tab.
- Click on Details
- In the Keyboard section in the Installed services, you will most likely have US. Click on the Add button.
- From the Add menu, choose United States-Dvorak
- Click on the Key Settings button in the main menu again, and set two short cut keys to switch between the keyboards.
- That's it, you are done! Now you can switch between them. Enjoy
On Ubuntu (11.10)
I am using 11.10, but I think it will be similar in the previous ones as well.
- Go to System settings. (Choose from menu that appears on clicking on user name on top right)
- Select Keyboard Layout from Personal
- Click on the Layouts tab
- Click on the plus symbol to add a new layout. Choose English (Dvorak)
- Click on Options in the same pane
- Click on Key(s) to change layout
- Choose whatever hotkey(s) you prefer. I went for Scroll Lock since I never use that button.
- That's it, you are done!
Other operating systems
When I try on others, I will let you know. Stay tuned. If you find out, let me know so that I can update this post as well.
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