Learning Dvorak on Honeymoon
Posted by Jeff September 30, 2007
I’ve long wanted to learn the Dvorak keyboard. This QWERTY alternative offers more efficient design, less finger movement, greater speed, less RSI. Problem is: when to learn it? There isn’t a day when I’m not on the computer writing or coding. Our upcoming two-week honeymoon in Italy will be such a time. I’ll have no internet connection, a true rarity, and won’t be working.
Some resources I’ve found:
DVZine: “The Dvorak Zine” is a 24 page zine that uses the power of Comics to promote the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard Layout. Here you will find all the information you’ll need to start typing Dvorak today! We’re changing the world… one keyboard at a time!! - very funny and well done.
DVAssist: turn off Windows’ brain-dead per window keyboard setting. Also has a floating cheat sheet.
A Basic Course in Dvorak - Structured learning. but no no interactivity/WPM measures.
Typing Lessons for Dvorak - interactive Flash lessons.
KP Typing Tutor - Shareware Typing Tutor. I’ll use this for drill.
TypeFaster - Great tutor/drill program. Killer Feature: Tracks your slowest / most inaccurate keys. Free, cross platform.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Switching to Dvorak
Goals/Plan
* Print out DVORAK layout, have in GTD book for reference.
* Starting 10/6 and during honeymoon, practice at least 30 mins/day. Record WPM daily (can I do without ‘net connection?).
* test WPM on QWERTY before beginning training. According to this, my speeds are 69-80 WPM.
* Goal: 50% of QWERTY speed after 1 week, 75 % after 2 weeks, 90% after a month, 110% after 2 months.
* Learn and practice common Copy/Paste shortcuts
* Install easy way to toggle keyboard layout for when others use laptop.
* Use DVORAK only after honeymoon, two-week period
We’ll see how well I do sticking to this plan with many competing and fun pastimes 
