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Learning to type

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:26 am
by matthijs
Does anyone know of a good typing tutor (free, online) with which I can learn to type? I'm nearing the limits with what I can do with 2- 4 fingers.
(ok, google finds some, but I'd like to hear some personal experiences)

My type speed is getting a limit. Especially since I cannot type blind

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:42 am
by Ollie Saunders
in linux there is a program gtypist. I found it absolutely excellent.

Please bare in mind though if you type as much program code as you do human language this probably won't help you; cause that was what happened with me. Just be disaplined about not looking at your fingers and place your fingers over the keys in a way which uses most of them and your off.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 4:42 am
by matthijs
Thanks Ole. Another reason to install Linux somewere.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:03 am
by Weirdan
for windows the only program I can recommend is YESolo (Solo na klaviature). Last time I checked it was shareware yet pretty cheap (as of now, it's 15USD for the full version).

I have to warn you: with this tutor the learning process is painfull, but results are amazing (at least they were for me). The pain comes from the fact the tutor focuses first on typing accuracy and avoiding of typos. It won't let you to advance to next exercize until you complete previous with at most 3 typo.

Another word of warning: my thoughts are based on experience with Russian version of YESolo (and earlier variants of QWERTY versions). While the exercizes should be equally effective for english keyboard layout, the text that intended to direct, encourage and support you in your learning quest may leave a different impression. Ahh, yeah, there's a lot to read :D . Author is psychologist, that says it all :lol:

BTW, did you know there was different keyboard layout more suited for fast typing? Namely 'Dvorak'. If you're strive for speed it could be beneficial for you to start training with more comfortable layout from the beginning.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:09 am
by Ollie Saunders
I have to warn you: with this tutor the learning process is painfull, but results are amazing (at least they were for me). The pain comes from the fact the tutor focuses first on typing accuracy and avoiding of typos. It won't let you to advance to next exercize until you complete previous with at most 3 typo.
gtypist is almost exactly the same but i found the process enjoyible, like a game almost, because you have to do it in a certain time as well.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:09 am
by matthijs
Weirdan, thanks. Will check that one out. If the focus is on accuracy then that's ok. I mean, a typo in a text costs a lot of time to solve, but a typo in your code even more. So a little accuracy is important. I'll look into dvorak. Not too sure if I want to use another keyboard as I'm sure to work on many different computers.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:52 am
by Weirdan
I'll look into dvorak. Not too sure if I want to use another keyboard as I'm sure to work on many different computers.
It does not require you to use different keyboard, that's the layout (order or, for better word, meaning) of keys that changed. And since you're going to learn touch typing, it would be no problem to you.
about dvorak wrote: Strictly speaking, you don%u2019t need to buy a special Dvorak keyboard even: it%u2019s often enough to retrain yourself in Dvorak touch typing using a good typing tutor and there you are. Sure, you can acquire stickers for those with whom you share the computer.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:56 am
by matthijs
Ok that's a difference. Could live with that.

Other's using my keyboard might be in for a surprise though :)

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:19 am
by Weirdan
Btw, you made me think about touch typing, and suddenly I realized why most people dislike vim: they don't type with 10 fingers. And vim commands are designed to be comfortable for those who do.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:28 am
by Benjamin
Find a hot chick to chat with. That's how I learned. :wink:

Just learn where to position your fingers and practice practice practice.

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:30 am
by Ollie Saunders
Weirdan wrote:Btw, you made me think about touch typing, and suddenly I realized why most people dislike vim: they don't type with 10 fingers. And vim commands are designed to be comfortable for those who do.
You have 10 fingers?! Ha only joking :P