If you are thinking about switching from Qwerty to Dvorak, there are a couple of things to bear in mind.
First of all, the switch probably isn’t going to benefit you a whole lot unless you have a job that has you typing a lot, like computer programming, freelance writing, transcription–jobs like that. If your job is flipping burgers or ringing up customers, you aren’t going to be typing enough to justify the time and agony involved with switching keyboards.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t teach your kids the Dvorak layout, however. Even if our generation was too dumb to use a keyboard that makes sense, that doesn’t mean that our children have to suffer through it too. Dvorak keyboards are available on the Internet, and there are even some keyboards that switch back and forth internally, so all you have to do is a single keystroke, and you’re into whichever layout you want. I actually have a keyboard like that (this is my exact keyboard,) and the great part is, the letters to both sets of set-ups are printed right on the keys, so no matter which kind of keyboard you type with, you’ll know which key to hit.
The other great thing is, most Dvorak keyboards are not that expensive. (Thank heavens.) You can get one much cheaper than that. I really like my Kinesis, but it’s hard to justify spending $200+ on a keyboard, no matter how much you type.
If you do decide to make the switch, then there are a couple of things that will help that switch go more smoothly. First off, don’t let anyone fool you that you can “teach yourself” this keyboard method by simply printing off a piece of paper with the new set-up on it, switching your keyboard set up through Windows, and then typing your way into the new layout. It doesn’t work. I ought to know–I tried. I read several websites where people said, “I simply printed out the layout, put it next to my computer, and I was touch-typing by the end of the day with Dvorak!” All I have to say to that is: Phooey. Either you’re a Dvorak genius, or a complete liar. Either way, telling other people it will work that way is deluding them and setting them up for failure.
Yes, printing off a page with the Dvorak layout on it and putting it next to your keyboard will help (if you’re interested, this is a great one.) Just like when you learned Qwerty though, you need to use a typing tutor to learn Dvorak. I had heard a lot of great things about Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor, so the first thing I did was do a search for her tutorials. To save you the trouble, it isn’t offered. I did find something else though: Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor. It offers tutorials for both Dvorak and Qwerty, and this is the program that I used to switch over to Dvorak. I have to say, the graphics are a bit dated and cheesy, but other than that, it was a great program, and I can recommend it with two big thumbs up!
I hope this series was helpful in letting you know about the possibilities out there. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome but you don’t want to give up your computer, Dvorak might be the way to go. An expensive keyboard like the one I linked to above will also probably help. There are a lot of options other than surgery (or, heaven forbid, never using a computer again.)
I wish you happy typing and healthy wrists!
Hmm, I should sell that to greeting card companies and make a mint…
😛