Typing is an important
skill for anyone using a computer. The more comfortable you are typing, the
more your can focus on what you are working on. Slow typing and fixing typing
errors moves your attention away from what you are trying to achieving (writing
an email, filling some form...).
Whether you need to type a
resume, a letter, or a bibliography, it can get done fast if you learn how to
control the keys efficiently.
Step 1: Position your
fingers on the keys Position your fingers on the keyboard. Put your left little
finger on the "A" and your right little finger on the semicolon. Lay
your fingers one at a time on each consecutive key and place your thumbs on the
space bar. Tip The F and J keys on most keyboards have small bumps to easily
identify where your two pointer fingers should stay without having to look
down.
Step 2: Learn the left
hand keys Learn what fingers control which keys. The left index finger controls
the F, G, R, T, 4, 5, V, and B. The left middle finger controls the D, E, 3,
and C. The left ring finger controls the S, W, 2, and x. The left little finger
controls the A, Q, 1, Z, and shift.
Step 3: Learn the right
hand keys Learn what keys the fingers on the right hand type. The fingers on
the right hand control the same pattern of keys as you learned on the left
side.
Step 4: Use your thumb
Press the space bar with your right thumb.
Step 5: Master the shift
keys Master the shift keys with your little fingers. Press the shift key while
simultaneously pressing the letter of choice to type a capital letter. If the
letter is pressed by the right hand, use the left shift key, and vice versa.
Step 6: Sit up straight Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Position
your chair and keyboard so your arms are at a 90 degree angle and are parallel
to your legs. Keep your elbows next to your body and your head straight.
Tip: Try not to look down at the keys.
Step 7: Practice and
Practice typing. You can learn for free online by visiting websites with touch
typing tutorials. Learning the art of typing will save you tons of time over
the hunt and peck method.
Did You Know?
The letters
on old typewriters used to be listed alphabetically. In the late 1800s,
Christopher Latham Sholes rearranged the keys to prevent jamming.
