Typing with All Ten Fingers

Getting Started

Almost all computer users already know to type. Most start by a hide-and-seek keyboard game with two fingers and gradually use more fingers to get faster. Many stay with that, loosing time they could save by typing the right way.

To learn typing with ten fingers will take you something between two days and two weeks, and the best thing is: you don't have to torment yourself by typing sentences that only consist of ASDF and JKL or something equally annoying.

Just place the fingers in the proper position, and start typing anything. (Write an email, do your annual tax declaration, etc.) If you squeeze yourself to always return your fingers to the proper position, you are on the right way. Look at the keys while you are typing. Typing without looking will later be achieved with ease.

The Proper Position
Whenever you type, place your forefingers on F and J. These keys are marked by little bars or small dents on most keyboards (red dots in figure below). The other fingers go on the keys on the left resp. right. After some time, your fingers will seek this position themselves. The thumb (choose one) is responsible for operating the space bar. (The other one does nothing, so it's actually only "typing with nine fingers", but we don't care.)



Figure: Sun Type 5 layout, screenshot from xkeycaps
Greyscale version for better printing results

The colors in the picture indicate which key should be pressed by which finger. The little fingers are very important, they press the shift, return, and backspace keys. The shift keys are used crosswise: for 'left' keys, use the right shift key, and vice versa. At the beginning, you will propably find the lower left part of the keyboard (ZXCV) somewhat inconvenient, but you will get used to it. The keys B and Y lie almost exactly in the middle, but it is advisible to press them with the left resp. right finger as shown in the figure.
Getting Faster

At the beginning you will propably type slower than you used to, but you will notice that you get comfortable with the keyboard pretty fast. It took me about two days of modest effort to reach an acceptable typing speed, and about two weeks to be as fast as I were with the six-scrambled-finger 'system' I used before. Remember: After typing a key, always return the finger to its base position.
Typing Blindly

Perhaps the bigest advantage of learning proper typing is that looking at the screen while typing enables you to correct typos immediately, without having to use the cursor keys to return to errors you did not see earlier. If you get the wrong key, use the backspace key, even if you've typed some right letters afterwards. Erasing a misspelled word and retyping it is faster than moving the cursor, correcting the word, and going back to the end of the line.

If you have gained practice in ten-finger typing (let's say after some days), you can start trying not to look at the keyboard to find the keys. It will at first seem impossible, but try it.

Do not try never to look at the keyboard. Hitting the right keys with the wrong finger (or hitting the wrong key!) is much worse than "peeking". It took me about two weeks to do some (slow) blind typing, but even today, I occasionally look at the keyboard when typing passwords (they are not printed on the screen). At the beginning, do not worry about digits and symbols in the top row of the keyboard (and function keys, and combinations like Alt-F4, etc.). These seldom occur in the middle of a word, so it is not a disadvantage not to find the 5 or & keys bindly rightaway. Look at the keyboard to see where they are, and be happy with that.
Is It Worth the Effort?Definitely yes. You will type faster and with less errors. And it will take you at most a month to learn it, with only modest extra effort over your daily typing.
DiscussionSome people suggest to learn typing blindly rightaway. The advantage of this approach is that you learn the proper method from the beginning. I do acknowledge that fact, but that additional obstacle will probably scare away some people that try to learn ten finger typing. I suggest to first get the fingers right and then try blind typing. Those who type blindly in their homegrown system might consider the other method.
The Right KeyboardKeyboards differ in two ways: key layout and mechanics. The layout is what is printed on the key caps. Most western countries use some variant of the QWERTY layout (e.g., Germany QWERTZ, France AZERTY). Use any you like, and stick with it. I personally prefer QWERTY, as programming needs lots of {[]}, but there are no umlauts (äöü) (there are ways around this). The Dvorak layout is a completely different layout aiming to ease typing.

Keyboard mechanics come with/without key click, keys using springs, plastic foil keyboards, etc. Sometimes, changing the keyboard makes you more comfortable, so try some other keyboards.

It is a great relief to use a hand cushion. I made one myself using a 3cm thick piece of foam rubber and covered it with linen. The heel of hands rest on the cushion and no latent force is needed for lifting shoulders and arms.
FeedbackI like to get feedback to this page. If you find these hints useful (or misleading), drop me an email. Some earlier feedback I got is collected here.
SoftwareAs said above, one can learn typing without using typing tutors. Anyway, here are some links:
Google Typing Tutors Directory
Online Typing Courses Directory
Typespeed: Test your typing! (Linux)

What to Do About a Wet Laptop

Laptops can be drenched in a moment.

According to studies by laptop insurance provider Protecsure, spilled liquid ranks among the top four causes of damage to portable computers. From that agonizing, slow-motion moment when the spill happens until the instant the liquid lands on your computer, you have just seconds to remove the battery and unplug the power adapter. The faster you do this, the better chance you have of avoiding a short circuit and saving your computer.

Air Dry
If you just spilled a few drops of clean water on your laptop, the simplest method is to let it dry naturally. Turn the laptop upside down, leaving it open so that air can flow around the keyboard; you can even set it in front of a fan. Don’t use heat, though, because hot air can melt plastic components inside the machine. After letting it dry for two days, you can check for moisture around the area where the spill occurred. If it feels dry, reinstall the battery and boot up the machine.
Desiccant

If the liquid soaked deep into the innards of your laptop, you can draw it out using a desiccant, such as the silica gel that often ships with new products to keep them dry, or some uncooked rice. You also need a container large enough to hold your laptop -- a plastic storage tub with a lid or a garbage bag and tape -- to create an airtight seal that prevents external moisture from saturating the desiccant before it can draw the water out. After filling the container with enough rice to submerge your laptop completely, close it and keep the computer inside for two days. Brush off any rice with a soft cloth before powering on the laptop.

Remove the Keyboard
Laptop keyboards are the most vulnerable spot for spills, and you may need to remove the keyboard to reach all of the liquid. Start by pouring off the liquid and wiping up anything that spilled on the computer's surface. After removing the keyboard according to the instructions found in the support section of the laptop manufacturer’s website, you should wipe up any remaining liquid and use a mild cleaner, sprayed onto a soft cloth, to finish the job.

Alcohol
If your computer was completely submerged in a liquid other than water, surface-cleaning techniques probably won't be enough to get inside all the nooks and crannies. Use 99 percent pure rubbing or isopropyl alcohol to displace the offending liquid -- anything that's less pure may leave residue when it evaporates, which could cause a short. In a large container, submerge your laptop in rubbing alcohol for several minutes, and swish it around so the alcohol gets into all the components inside. After removing the computer from the alcohol solution, let it dry for two days.

Disassemble the Computer
If all else fails, and you have confidence in your technical abilities, you can take apart your laptop and clean it. There’s a risk of further damage, however, so proceed with caution and follow the instructions on the laptop manufacturer’s website. After you've dissembled the computer, clean up any liquid residue with a cotton swab dipped in 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. The computer should dry for 48 hours before you reassemble it and turn it on
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Selecting Speakers for Your Laptop

"Nearly every PC includes some sort of default speakers, but they're invariably not very good," an October 2011 CNET article observes. The same goes for laptops, whose built-in speakers usually lack power unless designed specifically for multimedia use. Among three main types of external laptop speaker systems -- mobile, desktop and high-end audiophile quality -- the best kind for you depends upon your needs.

Mobile Speakers
Often sold as a clip-on bar, mobile speakers for laptops are convenient to bring with you and easy to connect. Typically offering less than 5 watts per speaker, their small size can mean less responsive sound, but performance varies between models and manufacturers often don't provide exact specs. Plug in the USB cable and you're good to go, with power and sound connected at once. Some may also have auxiliary inputs to connect to mobile devices such as an iPod or smartphone.

The Logitech Z305 is one example of this kind of speaker, with 360-degree sound and healthy bass. Using USB, it requires neither batteries nor a bulky adapter, and it can clip onto your laptop or sit on a desk. If space is at a premium, you may want something like the compact, USB-powered Altec Lansing ORBIT. Its circular design fits where many other speakers cannot, and a built-in stand helps project the sound toward the audience. It only has mono sound but good clarity and power, although bass is a bit lacking.
Powered Desktop Speakers

Powered desktop speaker systems aren't particularly portable, but they aren't hard to set up, either. Often containing two desk units and a separate subwoofer, powered speakers are the workhorse of the laptop audio world. You need to plug them into the wall, but they contain built-in amplifiers and draw higher power accordingly, from 20 to 200 watts total.

The Cyber Acoustics CA 3602 comes in a standard two-speaker, one-subwoofer configuration. Each side channel gets 6 watts and the bass consumes up to 18 watts for 30 watts of total power. Adjustable volume and bass make for comfortable listening, with a 3.5 millimeter line-in and headset-out jacks. Sound reproduction is good and can easily fill a mid-sized room.

With 200 watts of THX-certified sound, the Logitech Z623 packs plenty of sound into an affordable product. Two RCA inputs and two mini line-in jacks make it simple to connect to any kind of sound output. A headphone jack is included for more private listening, and you'll find controls for bass and volume on one of the speakers.

High-End Systems
A full speaker system includes magnetic shielding, variable crossovers and other features targeted at the audiophile market. Some sets include their own amplifiers, while others require a receiver connection, but all have superior sound quality.

Not quite as costly as a full speaker system, the Bose Companion 5 promises stellar quality in a desktop package. These speakers support USB and a mini-jack for connecting to your laptop. Along with volume and bass controls, this unit also includes a mute button on its wired remote, which may be easier to get to than the subwoofer. It also has a six-channel sound decoder inside for higher fidelity playback on movies and games.

Not for beginners, the Polk Audio RM6750 is a solid 5.1-channel system with magnetically shielded satellite speakers -- common to surround-sound systems -- for use next to electronics. It includes powerful controls such as low pass filter depth and phase selector, and the subwoofer cranks out 100 watts. Extra satellites will turn this set into a 6.1, 7.1 or even 8.1 system. These speakers need a separate amplifier to ensure the best sound experience, and connect with bare wires.

Making a Decision
Once you know the kind of speaker you want, it's time to factor in your budget. As of March 2012, mobile speakers cost about $20 to $60, while powered desktop speakers fall between $60 and $150. High-end speakers start around $150 and go to upwards of $400.

A final concern is size. As with laptops themselves, there's a tradeoff between speaker performance and portability. "Bigger and heavier speakers almost always sound better than small, lightweight ones," says Steve Guttenberg of CNET, but high-end systems aren't designed for toting around with your laptop. Some music lovers decide on mobile speakers for on-the-run listening and keep a larger, better-quality set at home
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Buying a Laptop on a Budget

Look for laptop savings locally and on the Web.
Buying a laptop on a budget takes some planning. Before you start looking, scope out a realistic budget range, starting with the worst-case bottom price and ending with your realistic can't-exceed ceiling. Jot down a list of the software you'll need to run, and check each application's requirements as you compile a feature set that represents your rock-bottom performance needs.

Limit Your Options
Take a hard look at exactly what you'll use this laptop for, and match your needs to the bottom end of your specifications. For example, choose a smaller screen if you won't need to open wide spreadsheets or view panoramic images, or opt for a slower processor if you'll only use word-processing software. Plan your purchase to minimize the extras you'll need to buy -- extra RAM, for example -- and figure any necessary add-ons into your budget. Inexpensive netbooks make good sidekicks for full-sized computers, although they typically lack the optical drives you'll need for software installation from CDs and DVDs, and don't offer the performance of an entry-level notebook.

Buy RefurbishedMany computer manufacturers offer refurbished devices at sizable discounts. These typically represent consumer returns that undergo thorough testing, with replacement parts installed where any defects show up. You'll receive a manufacturer's warranty with these units, although the warranty term may differ from the coverage offered on new systems. Some refurbished units are current models, whereas others lag at least one hardware generation behind. Don't expect a broad selection.

Choose Store Demos
You can sometimes score a good deal on a floor demo when you visit a local retailer and look for display units placed on sale when new models come out. Check these units carefully for signs that they've been pounded on by kids and careless adults, and ask for verification of warranty coverage in writing. If you can't make sure everything works while you're still in the store, either walk away and find a better deal, or clarify your return privileges before you buy.

Student/Teacher Discounts
Whether you're in college or teaching school, your current ID card can entitle you to educational discounts on computer hardware and special-edition software. Many computer manufacturers offer direct discounts when you furnish them with a copy of your school ID. Some schools sell systems in their bookstores and offer the discount at the checkout counter. School staff members also qualify for price breaks, as do parents of students. A California-based not-for-profit, Student Discount Laptops, offers new and refurbished computers for high school and college students across the United States.

Military Discounts
Active-duty military personnel and reservists with on-base access can qualify for special pricing at their Post Exchange, or PX. Don't expect the range of options you'd find in a warehouse-style retail store or on an Internet merchant site. You'll be limited to the models in stock, but you'll be able to buy at a discount without waiting for delivery. You can also obtain military discounts directly from computer manufacturers
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How to Use an HP Laptop Webcam

Use an HP Laptop Webcam
Webcams are an increasingly popular accessory for Hewlett-Packard Laptops and using them can increase your ability to communicate. Learning a little more about how to use your HP laptop webcam can make your laptop indespensible for meetings, video emails, and even gaming.

Instructions
1
Install your webcam. If you have a built-in webcam (such as on the HP Pavilion Dv5z, or HP G70t series) then skip to Step 2. Place the CD that comes with the Webcam into the disk drive. Follow the on-screen prompts and plug in your webcam only when you are told to by your program; doing otherwise may cause problems that are difficult to correct. With your webcam installed, proceed to Step 2.

2
Use MuVee Autoproducer 5. With your HP webcam on your laptop, you can use the MuVee program to record images and sound to playback later. Select "Start," then "All Programs," followed by "MuVee Autoproducer 5.0." Once the program is running, select "Tools," then "Get Video from Camera" to see the image the camera sees. You can then adjust the video using the "Device Settings" icon (it looks like a wrench with a camcorder).

Download POP3 or IMAP mailboxes (including SSL) to Exchange Server

3
Use Windows Movie Maker. Once you've recorded the images using MuVee, and saved them under the WMV file designation, you can use Windows Movie Maker to edit the images. You can not use Windows Movie Maker to record images, as you will receive an error message when attempting to use your webcam and this program together.

Click "Start," then "All Programs," followed by "Windows Movie Maker" to begin the program. To find the file you saved under MuVee's program, select "File," and then "Open" to find the video you created in MuVee.

4
Use Windows Live Messenger. You can use your webcam to talk to your friends, family, and colleagues with your Webcam and Windows Live Messenger. If it is your first time using Windows Live Messenger, you will need to download the free program. Select "Start," then "Windows Live Messenger Download." When the pop-up appears, select "Get it Free."

After the program is finished installing and is running, select ""Tools." Next, select, "Audio and Video Setup" and then "Next" to follow the on-screen prompts.

To start a session, select "Actions," then "Video," followed by the "Start a Video Call" to begin Windows Live Messenger
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How to Set Up Microsoft Outlook Email on a Laptop

How to Set Up Microsoft Outlook Email on a Laptop
Email is a mandatory part of today's world, and having an email account on your laptop is almost never an option. Microsoft's Outlook software, which is part of the Microsoft Office suite, is the most well known software client package today. Available in the free "light" version of Outlook Express, a Macintosh version called Entourage and the standard Outlook, it's an easy-to-configure package, which requires only a few settings to work perfectly.

Instructions
1

Launch Outlook and select "E-Mail Accounts" under the Tools menu.

2

Choose "Add new e-mail account" when the wizard opens.
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3

Select the type of server your provider uses. For most DSL and cable ISPs, you will check off POP3. If you're connecting to your email at work, check with your IT department to see if you're working with an IMAP or POP server, or a Microsoft Exchange Server.

4

Enter the following information in the POP3 settings window (you may have to call your ISP for some of these settings):
Your Name: This is the name that will appear in the recipient's inbox when they receive an email from you.
E-Mail Address: This is your full email address.
User Name: This your is logon name, which is usually your email address, or the first part of your email address (before the @ sign).
Password: Your password.
Incoming mail server (POP3): This is the name of the server that allows you to receive email.
Outgoing mail server (SMTP): This is the name of the server that allows you to send email.

5

Find out if there are any additional settings you have to configure. For consumer email providers (DSL and cable), the default settings under "More Settings" are usually all that is required. But for corporate accounts, you may need to click on the "More Setting..." button to configure any additional security settings. Here, you should find out from your IT department or ISP if any additional steps are required. These include different port numbers, secure encrypted connection (SSL) or custom authentication scripts.

6

Finish the wizard and test your email. If you need to go back to tweak any settings, repeat steps 1 and 2, except choose "View" or "Change existing e-mail accounts" when the wizard opens.

Tips & Warnings
Using Outlook with Web-based email (such as GMail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail) requires you to log onto those accounts via the Web, and configure the settings to allow you to use Outlook to send and receive mail.
If you travel, you will most likely have to change your outgoing (SMTP) server to reflect the requirements of the ISP you're using
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How to reinstall factory operating system on different laptops

In this post I explain how to reinstall factory operating system on different laptops. This should work for most laptops running Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating systems.

This could be useful if your operating system stopped working properly, got corrupted or infected with a virus.

WARNING! Running system restore utility will erase all personal data on the hard drive and re-image it back to factory defaults. Make sure all personal data is backed up before reinstalling the operating system. Also, make sure the laptop is running on AC adapter power during the recovery process.

These days most laptops are sold without recovery discs. Instead they have a hidden (or visible) recovery partition with the factory image. In order to re-image the hard drive back to factory defaults it’s necessary to initiate the recovery wizard and it’s very similar for many different laptop brands.

As an example I’ll show step-by-step operating system re-installation process on HP laptops.

Again, it will be the same or very similar for other laptop brands.

How to start Recovery Manager on HP laptops.

STEP 1.
Turn on the laptop and press the F8 key when HP (or any other brand) logo appears on the screen.

STEP 2.
On the next screen you should see Advanced Boot Options.

If for some reason you don’t get this screen, restart the laptop and press on the F8 key again.

From all available options select the very first line: Repair Your Computer and press on the Enter key.



STEP 3.
This should take you to the System Recovery Options.

Select available language and keyboard layout. Press on the next button.



STEP 4.
On the next screen select your user name (must be user with administrative rights) from the drop down menu.

Enter the user password and press the OK button.



STEP 5.
This will take you to the next System Recovery Options window.

The last option will be HP Recovery Manager. Click on it.



STEP 6.
This will take you to the next window: HP Recovery Manager.

There are many different options here and one of them – System Recovery (Restore your computer to its original factory conditions).

Select this option and follow the instructions on the screen.



How to start Recovery Wizard on Toshiba laptops.

In order to start Toshiba Recovery Wizard you follow STEPS 1-5.

This will bring you to the same System Recovery Options with Toshiba Recovery Wizard at the end.

Click on the Toshiba Recovery Wizard button.



On the next scree you’ll see Toshiba warning about data deletion. Click the next button.



In the next Toshiba Recovery Wizard window you can select Recover to out-of-box state option.

Click on the next button and follow instructions.



How to start Backup and Recovery Manager on Dell laptops.

Here’s another example. Now it’s for Dell laptops.

Again, follow steps 1-5 and on the System Recovery Options select the very last option: Dell Backup and Recovery Managers.



This will take you to the next window where you can start the operating system re-installation process. Follow the instructions.

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