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Edited by Tom T: 2/13/2013 12:05:45 AM
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Learning to type

To type I only use my two index fingers. I tried an online typing test ([url=http://10fastfingers.com/typing-test/english]here[/url]), and managed to exceed 60wpm in each of my attempts, but doing so required very intense effort which I could never maintain. I am sure some of you will be able to hit 100wpm, meaning a rate like 60wpm would be stress free and practical for everyday use. Learning to type properly seems like a skill I really should have, in this increasingly computer and productivity focused world. I'm looking for suggestions on how best to learn.

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  • You need to IRC more, that's how I moved up from two finger typing.

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  • A "Keyboard Condom" worked for me.

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    • I get 30 wpm, but I type one-handed due to a chronic hand injury... so, not bad all considering.

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      • tried the test, best out of 3 was 82 wpm

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      • Edited by Butane: 2/13/2013 8:07:29 AM
        This reminds me of the old typing programs on Macs in the early 90's.... I just played Oregon Trail. Mario taught me back then. I'm kind of in the "just do it" line of thinking. I do not position my fingers correctly, but can easily type over 80 wpm according to that test. I'm to the point where I don't think I could learn to do it correctly anymore since I've been doing this way for as long as I can remember. Seriously, I think writing some of the papers in college and wherever else helped me the most.

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        • Edited by Lord Commissar: 2/13/2013 8:01:37 AM
          [url=http://www.myabandonware.com/game/mario-teaches-typing-1gl]Here you go[/url] This is what I used to learn to type way back when. May it serve you as it served me. However what really made me memorize the keyboard and type quickly was playing StarCraft. Being able to communicate through text while simultaneous controlling your army was essential and you were practically forced to do it if you wanted to succeed in a team game.

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          • Edited by RighteousTyrant: 2/13/2013 2:04:12 AM
            IMO the only way to learn is to do it. Put your fingers in the proper place (index fingers on F and J, pinkies on A and ;, and the other fingers on the keys in between) and force yourself to type properly. Fingers are [i]supposed[/i] to move up and to the left or down and right, generally -- A reaches to 1, Q, and Z; K reaches to 8, I, and "," -- and the index fingers also reach out (F will also get 5, T, G, and B), but do whatever works best for you. Thumbs work the spacebar, and you're supposed to hit Shift with the pinky opposite the key you're Shifting, so to speak (right pinky on Shift to capitalize A, for example, left hand Shift for K). Look at the keyboard for as long as you need to in order to learn where the key positions are, and then try to gradually get away from that. At least, that's more or less how I was taught and it's mostly what I follow, and I just got 93 WPM so I guess that counts for something. It's mostly from experience since having learned ~16 years ago, so the best thing to do is to start learning and practicing! Good luck.

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            • Edited by VerticalGradient: 2/13/2013 1:07:48 AM
              Use basic (and free, preferably) typing programs and play lots of online MMOs. Typing programs can be boring, but web chatting is a good way to simply practice your typing. I guess forums are just as good of an alternative. That's basically how I got to typing quickly by the time I was out of elementary school. Oh, and go slow. Just like an instrument or something, focus on precision and technique, and speed will increase with practice. And, "home row" keys. Some people don't bother, but I think it's best for structuring a "beginner" typing foundation. Eventually, you'll be able to dash out numbers without moving your palms.

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            • Just got a 75wpm on the race one typing a Dark Knight quote. Woahyeah.

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            • 73.49% whoo!!

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            • My normal typing got me about 115 wpm while trying just made it 120 wpm. I took a typing class for three years to do it. To be honest, I only took the typing class to play Sim City and the Sims instead of learning how to draw or sew.

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            • I learned to type in the 4th grade, I had a really strict typing teacher who would get pissed if we ever looked at the keyboard. I'm kinda grateful for that because it made me a better typer. My average is 85-90 wpm.

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            • Really all I did to get to place where I could type fast (~90 WPM) was just using computers frequently. I just developed the skills out of necessity to keep up with whatever it was I needed to in terms of using a computer. But seeing as how you've been a fairly active member of an online forum for over six years now, I would suggest finding some basic typing program online and buying a keyboard cover, as a previous user suggested. My grandparents, who obviously did not grow up on computers but wanted to learn regardless, did this and they're both competent typists at this point.

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            • My first regular experience with a keyboard was back in the mid 90's when AOL was new. I was a single finger typist and VERY slow. Online chat is what did it for me. I had things that I wanted to say, and typing with one finger while looking at the keyboard was way too slow. So, I went to both index fingers, still looking at the keyboard. I got faster, but needed to proofread before I sent anything. After a while, I was learning the keys and started naturally adding additional fingers to the equation. Both index fingers became the index and middle fingers on both hands, eventually adding more fingers as I instinctively learned which fingers were closer and what shift/modifier keys were frequently needed. Then, when I felt that my speed (while still looking at the keyboard) was sufficient, I forced myself to look up from the keyboard and onto the screen. That took some effort, but I had already put in the time to commit certain words and stroke combinations to muscle memory. I also "punished" myself that if I made typos that I would manuall backspace, not look and force myself to correct errors manually (no spellcheck or autocorrect) if I typed it wrong, I made myself fix it. Now, I can type onscreen while conversing on the phone or to someone who is standing in front of me, I don't look at the keyboard, and my speed/accuracy is acceptable to me and my long-winded style of writing. If a classically trained touch typist were to see my hands, they would freak out, but for me, it works.

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            • I can type 100 wpm.

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            • I hit 45 going my usual speed. Never liked the strange way you were supposed to type, so I just went my own way. Worked out so far. Compared to the rest of the folks in town, I must be like the god of typing fast to them. Then again, most folks here are elderly.

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            • [quote]I tried typing the proper way, but it seemed so much slower to me.[/quote]Yeah, that's to be expected when learning a new skill. I was hoping there might be some (free) structured program/dedicated software to help shake that initial feeling of inertia/keep motivated.

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            • [url=http://play.typeracer.com/]You gotta race![/url]

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            • Buy one of dem [url=http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Type-Keyboard-Skin-Mailer/dp/B0009JB79U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360714149&sr=8-1&keywords=Keyboard+learning+cover]Keyboard Covers[/url]. That's how I learned in 7th grade.

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            • I tried typing the proper way, but it seemed so much slower to me.

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            • The only way I am aware of is to practice typing. Even if it is stressful initially, doing it often enough will become easier and easier.

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