Learning to touch type
I’ve been using computers now for over 10 years, but I’ve never learned how to use the keyboard properly. I’ve picked up many bad habits over the years, and really need to get rid of a few of them.
Apparently, I’ve got a typing speed of 42WPM, which is above average. However, comparing me to a touch typist is like comparing a Honda (me) to a Lamborghini. Some touch typists can churn out more than 100 words per minute!
I’ve always known that I should learn how to touch type, I just never bothered, because it really does take a lot of time, and quite some getting used to. For instance, I started writing this post using proper touch typing skills, and it took me a good minute to write the first 20 or so words.
So as I’m sure you can now gather, I am actually learning how to touch type. I’ve been using typeonline.co.uk, to pick up some of the basics, and I’m getting there (slowly).
My main motivation is to hopefully become more productive. When I’m reading a programming book, I have to look at the code on the page, and then at the keyboard. It’s a painfully inefficient cycle, page…code…page…code, and so on. Then once I’ve copied the code snippet, I have to check it for errors. If I didn’t have to keep looking at the keys, I’d be able to read and type at the same time. No stopping to look at the book.
Learning this skill is part of my drive to become a better programmer. I’m improving my basic skills, as well as my core programming skills.
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4 Responses to “Learning to touch type”
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James
September 17th, 2008
Like you, I have been using computers for years and never learnt how to touch type. I am always envious when I see friends touch typing - they are so fast!
Simon
September 26th, 2008
Yeap, we programmers and engineers need to do that… my typing speed is not that bad though ^_^
Please visit me too! Thanks again! http://www.kumagcow.com
KUMAGCOW
September 30th, 2008
Hi, I found your blog on this new directory of WordPress Blogs at blackhatbootcamp.com/listofwordpressblogs. I dont know how your blog came up, must have been a typo, i duno. Anyways, I just clicked it and here I am. Your blog looks good. Have a nice day. James.