My Corner of the Web
I recently saw an article on slashdot talking about how the Dvorak keyboard may be gaining converts with programmers. Having typed with the Dvorak keyboard for over a decade (maybe even over 15 years) - I figured I should try and dig up a manual I wrote on switching to dvorak. I found an old copy done on an ancient macintosh with graphics in MacPaint. So, while I may get around to redoing it ... I scanned in all 18 pages and present it here for your typing pleasure... I highly recommend everyone consider switching to the Dvorak keyboard. It is a far superior layout and you should not let inertia dictate your life (I have always considered the Dvorak keyboard a sad commentary on the power of inertia to prevent change). My reasoning was simple: as a programmer, I knew I would be typing my whole life so I might as well bite the bullet and switch to a better keyboard. And I was a fast Qwerty typist (I took a typing course in high school). In fairness, it took about three weeks to fully switch even though this "very rough" manual says 5 days. As for productivity improvements, I am definitely a faster typist on the Dvorak keyboard. Good luck in embarking on this new challenge!
