Keyboard

One year with the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard layout

2007-07-09T19:54:42-07:00

I just realized that I have been using the Dvorak simplified keyboard layout for well over a year now. I am pleased to say that I love this layout and I could never see myself switching back to the standard Qwerty layout even though I am still fairly proficient with it.
It is a shame that the Dvorak layout has not had a larger adoption rate. In my experience the majority of people who make an attempt to learn it don't make it past the first week. People seem to think that their normal typing speed will return instantly and quit when it doesn't work out that way.
If you ever plan on making the switch you should make sure it is done when you have two weeks of free time to absolutely devote yourself to learning it with no distractions.
Are there any other Dvorak users within the reach of my humble blog?

Dvorak Update

2006-07-07T03:38:40-07:00

I figured it was about time I gave my promised update regarding my switch to the Dvorak keyboard layout.

It has been almost three weeks since I switched and I am typing at a decent speed and slowly getting back to my normal typing speed.

I stopped using the tutors after the first week and have been learning by doing my normal routine (e.g. chatting on irc, instant messaging, etc). I do have the occasional mix up and hit the wrong key but that is to be expected..

I like Dvorak and I have no plans to go back to the Qwerty layout.

Switched to the Dvorak keyboard layout

2006-06-18T19:09:16-07:00

I decided to switch over to the Dvorak keyboard layout last night.
I switched simply because I wanted to try something different and thus far I must say that I like Dvorak.

To become fluent with the layout I am currently using the dvorak7min typing tutor.
When I am not using the tutor, I have a small image of the layout sitting on the bottom of my screen.

Needless to say, both of these have proved to be very helpful..

I'll probably post an update on my status within the next two weeks.

The IBM Model M Keyboard

2006-06-04T00:02:25-07:00

How many of you out there still routinely use or at least love the old IBM Model M keyboards?
If you don't know what the Model M is or have never used one you are missing out in my opinion.

The Model M is an engineering masterpiece from its heavy and sturdy design to its reliable buckling spring keys. There is a reason they are still going strong while all the other equipment from the mid 1980's have been rendered obsolete.

Configuring The Logitech Media Keyboard Elite's Multimedia Keys

2006-05-13T21:46:03-07:00

In this article I will show you how to get your Logitech Media Keyboard Elite's multimedia keys functional and configured for use within the Openbox window manager.

The Media Keyboard Elite has four keys which need to have their key codes manually setup in order to work. These are the side zoom keys and the messenger key.

Notice: It has come to my attention that these keys are not detected when the keyboard is connected to your computer via USB. See the comments section for more details.

1. Setting up your keycodes.

Before we can do anything we need to edit your local multi-user start-up script and configure the key codes for some keys.

This can be done by editing your /etc/rc.local file as root and adding the following:

setkeycodes e004 132 # Messenger key
setkeycodes e05a 218 # Mode F button