Typography & Computer Applications (English) PDF

TYPOGRAPHY & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (ENGLISH) THEORY Unit-1 PART- I INTRODUCTION TO TYPOGRAPHY 1.1 INTRODUCTION: In the olden days when the Typewriter was not in existence, the letters...

TYPOGRAPHY & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (ENGLISH) THEORY Unit-1 PART- I INTRODUCTION TO TYPOGRAPHY 1.1 INTRODUCTION: In the olden days when the Typewriter was not in existence, the letters, documents etc. used to be written with Pen. Writing with Pen was time-consuming but the invention of Typewriter has brought a major change in the transmission of information in a neat, clean and legible manner. It will be interesting for you to know that Typewriter has been a source of getting jobs to millions of people all over the world. Since you have taken this subject, you may also be able to get a job as Junior Assistant, Computer Operator, Data Operator, Front Office Assistant, Office Assistant and similar other jobs in Public or in Private Sector Offices by learning the useful skill of Typewriting/Typography either on the Typewriter or on the Computer. The matter typed on Typewriter or Computer is most attractive and distinctly more legible as compared to handwritten matter. In this Unit you will be taught about the origin and development of Typewriters, importance of typewriters, various categories of Typewriters. You will also be briefly taught about the Computers and Laptops. 1.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES - After going through this Unit, you will be able to: - Know the history of typewriter; - Define Typography - Understand the importance of learning typewriting on typewriter or computer; - Identify various types of Typewriters - Know that this is a job-oriented course; - Distinguish between various types of typewriters; - Define Standard Typewriter; 9  - Enlist the salient features of Electronic Typewriter - Justify the use of Typewriter or computer over hand writing - Know about computer and laptop; - Acquire the skill of typewriting on typewriter or computer or laptop. 1.2 THE TYPEWRITER The Typewriter is a machine which produces characters resembling to those of ordinary printed matter. These characters are printed on the paper one by one by mechanical means with each depression of the key on the Keyboard of the typewriter. The machine on which you will learn typewriting to produce print-like matter is known as typewriter. The process of producing print like impressions on the typewriter or Computer or Laptop is known as Typography. ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF TYPEWRITER: Before the invention of Typewriter, the work of writing letters, reports, documents, court judgments etc. was being done in long hand. To overcome this lengthy and tiring process of writing documents in long hand, an effort was made in this direction in Western countries. First attempt to invent a Typewriter was made by Mr. Henry Mill, an engineer in England in the year 1714, during the reign of Queen Anne, but he did not succeed. Second worthwhile attempt was made by Mr. W.A. Burt of U.S.A. in 1829. He succeeded in producing some kind of a machine which was known as „Burt Typographer‟. But this machine was not at all perfect. The model produced by Burt was destroyed in a fire accidently. After this, many engineers and mechanics tried to build a typewriter but they could not produce a successful model. It was in the year 1868, when Mr. Christopher Lantham Sholes of USA, assisted by Carlos Glidden and Samuel Soule, succeeded in inventing the first efficient and practical typewriter. Christopher Lantham Sholes is thus called the inventor and father of the typewriter. Sholes later on built various other models during the next six years making some or the other improvements, but all these models could type only CAPITAL LETTERS. However, the features of this machine remained standard in all the machines even today. After Sholes successfully produced a model of the typewriter, the work of manufacturing was entrusted to M/s. E. Remington & Sons of U.S.A., who produced the first model of the Remington Typewriter in 1874. This machine looked like a sewing machine. The Remington Company made various improvements in the machines. Dr. August Dvorak of Washington designed a modified Keyboard for typewriter on which one could type for hours together, but somehow his modified keyboard could not become popular. 10 Originally, typewriting was done with only two fingers which is known as Sight method of Typewriting. Till 1877, only the Sight method of Typewriting was used. In 1878 Mr. Charles McGurin, an American Typist, introduced Touch Method of Typewriting, which helped the typists to type without looking at the keyboard with all the fingers of both the hands.. This created a revolution in the history of the typewriter. Mr. McGurin demonstrated to the world that he could type at a speed of 90 words per minute on a Remington Typewriter by using the Touch Method of Typewriting. Remington Company introduced an additional key in the Keyboard known as Shift Key. With the help of this key, both capital and lower capital letters could be typed. Soon after these improvements, the demand for typewriter increased. To meet the demand, Remington Company opened their agencies in U.K., India, Australia and some other countries. The first agency of Typewriters was started in India in 1896 In the meantime some other companies started manufacturing their makes of typewriters, the major among them being the Underwood Company, which perfected the first Standard Typewriter in 1896. In the first quarter of twentieth century, need was felt to manufacture different categories of typewriters which could meet the requirements of the typists in different situations. Noiseless Typewriter, which reduced the noise while typing, was introduced in the market in 1925. To meet the requirements of those typists who used to travel with their Officers, Portable Typewriter was introduced in the market in 1931. The Typewriter Companies introduced an Electric Typewriter which made its appearance in the market in the year 1938. This enabled the typists to do more work without getting tired. So far the typewriters with only English keyboard were available but by the middle of the Twentieth Century typewriters with keyboards in different languages including Hindi language came into the market. Electronic Typewriter is an improved version of Electric Typewriter with many additional features. In order to have a quick look at the historical development of the typewriter, a chart is being given below: Historical Development of the Typewriter 1714 First known Inventor – Henry Mill 1829 Burt Typographer 11  1868 First practical Typewriter by Christopher Lantham Sholes 1873 The contract to manufacture Typewriters with E. Remington & Sons 1878 Touch Typewriting by Charles McGurin 1896 First Agency in India of Remington Company 1896 First Standard Typewriter by Underwood Company 1925 Noiseless Typewriter 1931 The first Portable Typewriter 1938 The first Electric Typewriter. By the end of the 1980s, Word Processors and Personal Computers have largely replaced typewriters in the world. In India, typewriters are being used only in the areas which do not have computers or where electricity is not available. Now almost all the typewriting tests are being held on Computers. 1.4 IMPORTANCE OF TYPEWRITER/COMPUTER There are many advantages of using a typewriter/Computer, as given below: - Provides jobs to millions of people: Before the Computers came into existence, the Typewriters have provided jobs to millions of boys and girls in both the public and private sectors. Majority of employees in the Government and Private Offices have been appointed after passing the Typewriting Tests on Typewriters. Till recently the Staff Selection Commission, which makes appointments of office staff for the Central Government Offices all over the country, has been conducting Typewriting Tests on Typewriters. It is only for the last two years, the typewriting tests are being conducted on Computers. The typewriting on Computers is also done by using the Touch Method of Typewriting, which enhances the typewriting speed in comparison to the persons using the Keyboard with only two fingers of both the hands. 12 - It is a desirable Skill: Typewriting has become a desirable skill like the other professions. It is learnt not only by the boys and girls desirous of getting jobs but also by many other persons Executives, Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Students, teachers and business men who use it for doing their personal and confidential work. Now-a-days the Computers are being used by everybody. - It has replaced Pen: The use of Typewriter/Computer has replaced the Pen which was being used for writing various documents in longhand, which was time-consuming and tiring. - It ensures Speed and Accuracy: The work on Typewriter/Computer can be done with a much higher speed in comparison to the work done by Pen. It ensures greater accuracy. - It saves time and energy: The work done on Typewriter/Computer is done at a faster speed without much effort, it results in the saving of time and energy of its Operator. - It produces work which is impressive in look: Work done on Typewriter/Computer can be read easily and is more impressive in look when it is properly displayed. Handwritten work takes longer time and if the handwriting of the person is not good, sometimes it becomes very difficult to read the handwritten documents. - It develops concentration: One can typewrite accurately only when one works with full concentration. The habits formed while typing improves concentration which is an important character trait for doing any other type of work. - It helps Blind people: Typewriting can also be learnt by blind persons by using the „Braille‟ Typewriters/Computers which are specially designed for this purpose. 13 1.5 CATEGORIES OF TYPEWRITERS There are the following five categories of typewriters: Standard Typewriter Noiseless Typewriter Portable Typewriter Electric Typewriter Electronic Typewriter These are explained below: 1.5.1 STANDARD TYPWRITER “Standard” means “that which is recognized as a rule or model of approved merit or excellence”. The expression “Standard Typewriter” signifies that the machine is a model of excellence for the purpose it is used, namely, to write rapidly, accurately and neatly. The Standard Typewriter was perfected by the Underwood Company in 1896*. All the Standard Typewriters have the following common features:  A four-row (bank) Keyboard;  The arrangement of keys in a similar order of letters;  A single shift operation for capitals and additional characters; and  Visibility of writing by “front upstroke typebar action”, which means that the type is arranged in a semi-circle in front of the machine and strikes upwards on the paper.  Any typewriter which does not have any or all these features is called a non-standard typewriter. Prior to the invention of the Standard Typewriter in 1896, all the typewriters were non-standard typewriters. Now only standard typewriters are manufactured 14 1.5.2 NOISELESS TYPEWRITER: This Typewriter works on the principle of “pressure printing” instead of usual stroking method and, therefore, it makes less noise than any other ordinary typewriter. The first noiseless typewriter with three rows of keys was produced in 1910 but it had certain defects. A perfect Noiseless Typewriter was produced in 1925. This typewriter is used by the Operator, when he/she has to sit in the room of the Officer and to type close to him. However, these typewriters are not manufactured and are in very rare use. The main drawback of this typewriter was that it could hardly produce 2-3 copies at a time as all the subsequent copies were not clear.. 1.5.3 PORTABLE TYPEWRITER: The Portable Typewriter has all the features of a Standard Typewriter but its weight is light. It is used by travelling Operators. It is also useful for professionals, businessmen, journalists, doctors, executives and others who have to travel frequently and require letters, documents to be typed during the course of their business tours. Since the machine is very light and takes up little space, it can be carried as easily as an attaché case. All Portable Typewriters have a four-row (bank) keyboard and their operation is similar to that of a standard typewriter. Portable typewriters came in the market in 1931. 1.5.4 ELECTRIC TYPEWRITERS: The first electric typewriter was produced by the Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company, of Stamford, Connecticut, in 1902, followed by the improved versions by various manufacturers in 1914. Ultimately, an improved version of the electric typewriter came in 1938. It used a cylindrical type-wheel rather than individual type-bars like the manual typewriters but it was not a commercial success, because at that time electricity had not been standardized and voltage differed from city to city. The Olympia typewriters were most successful in Germany between 1950 and 1970. Many electric typewriters have dispensed with type bars and instead use a small round- shaped head, commonly known as „golf ball‟. The surface of the head carries all the characters needed to match with those of the keyboard. When the keys are operated on the keyboard, the typing head revolves to the required printing position and prints the character. The golf ball can be easily replaced by a printing head with different type faces. Main advantages of this typewriter are: (a) There is no need to use the hands to return the carriage from left to right position; (b) A very light and feather touch is needed for the operation of the keyboard; 15  (c) The Operator does not tire even after many hours of work; (d) There is uniformity of impression on the paper; (e) Neat work is produced. (f) Different type-faces can be taken by changing the golf ball; (g) Mathematical typewriting can be done by changing the ordinary golf ball to the one having mathematical signs whereas the same facility is not available in the ordinary manual typewriter. 1.5.5 ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITER: Electronic Typewriter is an improvement in the Electric Typewriter. This typewriter has been introduced in the Indian market since 1982. Electronic Typewriters are based on the sophisticated micro-processor computer technology. These are operated by microchips. All the character keys are the same as on the manual and electric typewriters. There are major changes in the adjustment keys. The salient features of Electronic Typewriters are given below: - It has a variety of automatic electronically controlled features, including paper feed, margins, tabulator stops, bold printing, carriage return, underscoring, margin justification, decimal tabulation and centering. - It has a storage memory like Word Processor. But the memory is of a limited degree. - There is a visual display screen of two-three lines. The Operator can see the text on these lines and if there is any correction, it can be carried out before giving the print command. - The printing element is normally a daisy-wheel with a character at the end of each spoke. It gives fast printing and high print quality with a choice of type -faces in 10, 12 and 15 pitch with proportional spacing. Daisy wheels are easy to load and can be easily and quickly changed. Daisy-wheels are available in different prints. - On certain typewriters, bi-lingual system is also available. Texts both in English and Hindi can be typed only on one typewriter by changing the daisy wheel and certain codes on the typewriter. 16  - Corrections on first page can be carried out automatically with the help of a key on the keyboard. A correcting tape is installed in the typewriter which lifts the incorrect characters with the depression of a key and the correct characters can be re-typed in place of the incorrect characters lifted by the correcting tape. Model of Electronic Typewriter 1.5.6 Computers Information Technology has played a vital role in our lives. All of us are using this technology in our day to day functioning. Computer is one of the most modern devices that is being used by majority of people in their homes and offices. It is the most revolutionary invention. Computer functions through hardware and software. Hardware represents the physical components of the computer and software represents the set of programs that govern the operation of a computer system and make the hardware run. Computers are being used everywhere. Our most of the services have been computerized such as railways, banking, airways, electricity, hotels, schools, colleges, shops, big malls, industries, defence, etc. The main characteristics of computer are: Speed, high storage capacity, accuracy, reliability, and versatility. You will read more about the Computers in the following pages. 1.5.7 Laptops Laptops are those computers which could be operated by putting it in your laps. These are used in businesses and at home to communicate on computer network, for word processing 17 and to play games. These laptops have large amount of internal memory to store different programs and documents. These laptops are equipped with a keyboard; a mouse, track ball or other pointing devices and a video display, Monitor or LCD to display information. They have similar hardware and software as other PCs have. Laptop computers (also called notebooks) can be carried from one place to other very easily and conveniently like portable typewriter. REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What do you understand by Typography? 2. Who is called the Inventor/Father of the Typewriter? 3. Who invented Touch method of Typewriting? 4. Which Company introduced the additional key in the Keyboard known as Shift Key? 5. In which year the first agency of Typewriters started in India? 6. Name the Typewriter invented by Mr. W.A. Burt in the year 1829. 7. How many categories of typewriters are there? Explain any two. 8. What are the advantages of Typewriter/Computer? 9. What do you understand by a Standard Typewriter? Enlist its salient features. 10. What are the advantages of Electric Typewriter? 11. Write the salient features of an Electronic Typewriter. 12. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words in the following sentences:  The Electronic Typewriters were introduced in Indian market in the year ______.  The _________Typewriter has all the features of a Standard Typewriter except its weight is light.  The Noiseless Typewriter works on the principle of ___________printing instead of usual stroking method.  There are _________ categories of Typewriters.  The first Standard Typewriter was manufactured by Underwood Company in the year __________.  The first attempt to invent a Typewriter was made in the year 1714 by Mr._____________. ************* 18  Unit-2 KEYBOARD OPERATIONS 2.1 INTRODUCTION: In the last Unit, you have read about the invention of typewriter by Christopher L. Sholes, particularly the „keyboard‟, which is the crucial part of the typewriter. Keys of letters were not positioned alphabetically on the board, called the keyboard. The keyboard had been designed in four rows, each row having 10-11 letter-keys. People used different methods for the operation of this keyboard. Every method had some merits and demerits. In this chapter you will also learn the operation of Home Row, Bottom Row, Top Row and the row for operation of numbers and signs. 2.2 OBJECTIVES After going through this chapter, you will be able to:  know the Keyboard used in typewriters vis-à-vis computers/laptops  know the Correct sitting posture of a typist  selection of right height chair & Table  Placement of machine on the table  Methods of operation of keyboard  Merits & demerits of both methods  learn of home row, upper row, bottom row and special row of numbers etc 2.3 KEYBOARD The first successful arrangement of letter keys on the keyboard was designed by Sholes & Glidden. His team worked day and night for the smooth functioning of their machine, particularly the keyboard. Some suggested the fixing of English letters alphabetically while others suggested some alternative methods but after a thorough trial of the suggested ways, the styles suggested by the people proved to be unworthy. Ultimately, the Sholes‟ layout of keys has become the standard for English-language typewriter and computer keyboards. The Computer keyboard is popularly known as “QWERTY keyboard‟. Q,W,E,R,T and Y being the six alphabets put on the top row of the standard keyboard. They became the reason of naming it as QWERTY keyboard. In a „universal‟ typewriter, there were 46 keys typing 92 characters including signs. Although typewriters in the advanced information technology have become redundant, yet the keyboard used in computers is the same as used by Sholes in typewriters. Layout of the keyboard has changed very little ever since it was introduced. Numbers of keys on a typical keyboard vary from 82 keys to 108 keys. 2.3.1 QWERTY KEYBOARD 19. Function Keys Modifier Typing Keys/Character Keys Keys Space Bar Cursor Keys Numeric pad Source: Google Images 2.3.2 Key Types There are different keys on the keyboard of the computers – these are consisting of alphanumeric or character keys for typing, and for altering the functions of other keys are called modifier keys. Navigation keys are used for moving the text cursor on the screen and function keys – such as Esc and break – for special actions, and often a numeric keypad to facilitate calculations. There is a difference between the mechanical layouts of the different Computers of the different countries –relating to number of keys and their positions also. 2.3.3 Character keys The basic section of a keyboard is consisting of character keys, which can be used to type letter and other characters. There are three rows of keys for typing letters and punctuation signs, an upper row for typing digits and special symbols, and the space bar on the bottom row. The positioning of the character keys is similar to the keyboard of a typewriter. That is the reasons; the keyboard is called the Universa`l keyboard. 2.3.4 Modifier Key Besides the character keys, a keyboard consists of special keys that do nothing by themselves but modify the functions of other keys. For example, we can alter the output of the character key with the use of shift key - such as - Ctrl key (control) and Alt (alternate) keys are used for other keys. 20 2.4 SITTING POSTURE There should be a perfect sitting posture for typing on the keyboard. Body must be upright andshoulders should be relaxed, your feet should be flat on the floor. For the perfect sitting posture, the following guidelines should be followed: (a) Use cushioned chair that helps you keep your body straight. The chair so selected should be adjustable, so that you can set the height of the chair to rest your feet flat on the floor. Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest.. Some people like sitting in a slightly lounged position as it creates less stress on the back. (b) Support your lower back. (c) In typing-mode, never cross legs. Maintain a distance of 15 cms between the two feet. (d) Both the feet should be placed on the floor maintaining a distance of about 15cm between the two feet. (e) Have a comfortable chair with adjustable armrests, if possible (f) Have a cushioned seat. (g) Your keyboard should be at a height that allows your elbows to be bent and close to your sides. 2.4.1 Chair & Table Height Guidelines If the typist has furniture shaped to support his/her body, best posture, they can stay focused on the work, or operate in front of them. Determine the best chair height by seating with knees at 90° and feet flat on the floor. The distance from the floor to the seating surface is the chair height you want. 2.4.2 Placement of machine Generally, the typewriter is kept in the centre of the table when not in use so that it does not get hit by any person passing by. When the machine is in use, its frontal edge should be kept in level with that of the table. This guideline may not be true in the case of those who are lesser in normal height. 21 2.5 METHODS OF KEYBOARD OPERATION Keyboard can be operated by looking and without looking at the keyboard. The method of operating the keyboard without looking at the keyboard is called the Touch system of typing and the method of typing while looking at the keyboard is called the sight method of typing. Usually there are three types of people who use the keyboard: i. Those without knowledge of typing ii. Those with a little knowledge of typing iii. Those who know touch typing In the early days of invention of the typewriter, only one method of typewriting was used i.e. „Sight method‟ and the typing used to be done with the help of one or two fingers of both the hands by looking at the keyboard. This method was later on substituted with another method i.e. „Touch Method‟. At present the following two methods of manipulation the keyboard: 1. Sight Method OR Hunt & Peck/Search & Peck 2. Touch Method OR Blind Method Both the typing methods are explained as under: 2.5.1 Sight Method The Sight method was the only prevalent method right from the very beginning when the first typewriter was invented in 1714 till 1878, when another method of typewriting known as “Touch Method” was introduced by an American Typist Mr. Charles McGurin. Sight Method or (two-fingered typing), also known as search and peck, is a common style of typing, in which the typist must find and press each key individually. This is usually slower than touch typing, as the typist must find each key by sight. Use of this method may also prevent the typist from being able to see what has been typed without glancing away from the keys. Although good accuracy may be achieved, but the typing errors that are made may not be n-oticed immediately. There is also the disadvantage that because fewer fingers (almost forefingers of both hands) are used, they are forced to move a much greater distance. Although learning to typewriter by sight method was an arduous process, yet students did learn by this method to typewrite with remarkable speed. This method is not a scientific one and therefore in the present days, this method of typewriting is not being used very much. In this method the typist cannot concentrate on the copy. Though this system is early to learn in the beginning, but it is useless for acquiring high speed in typewriting. 22 MERITS OF SIGHT METHOD OF TYPEWRITING The advantages of sight method of typewriting are as under: 1. Though unscientific method, but it is very easy to learn without the help of a teacher. 2. There is no need to learn the keyboard 3. It is really helpful to those people who do not want to appoint the secretary and want to do the confidential work themselves. 4. There is no need to appoint the secretary/P.A./Stenographer 5. It is a very short process and there is no need of concentration. DEMERITS OF SIGHT METHOD OS TYPEWRITING 1. As the typing is done only with two forefingers of both the hands, more time and energy is spent for typing. 2. The typist gets tired by using this method because of the frequent movement of eyes both on the keyboard and the matter to be typed. 3. All the fingers of both hands are not used, only forefingers of both hands are used. 4. There are more chances of omission of words or lines, as the typist as to look both on the typing matters as well as on the keyboard and in doing so, omissions are possible. 5. High speed cannot be attained by using this method 2.5.2 TOUCH METHOD OF TYPEWRITING Touch system means mentally locating the position of the keys by sense of touch without looking at the key board. This method was introduced by Mr. Charles McGurin, an American Typist in 1878. The basic technique stands in contrast to sight method as the typist keeps their eyes on the source copy at all times. Touch typing also involves the use of the home row method, where typists keep their wrists up, rather than resting them on a desk or keyboard. In this method the typist has to keep his eye sight only on the notebook from which the matter has to be typed. This operation of keys is called by sense of location and not by sight. This method is based on scientific lines. Each finger has to operate on the keys allotted to it. All the fingers of both the hands are used. In this most scientific and modern method of typing, the unnecessary movement of eyes and hands is not required. The keyboard is divided into two parts, one for the left hand, and the other for the right hand, each part being sub-divided into sections for each finger. The first fingers (forefingers) of both the hands are allotted eight keys each because these fingers are stronger than the other fingers. The allotment of keys to all the fingers of both the hands is given as under: 23 Source: Google Images Touch method of typewriting is superior to the sight method of typewriting. Though, in the beginning, the typist has to put in hard work, but it is very beneficial for acquiring high speed in the long run. User interface features such as spell checker, auto complete, and auto replace serve to facilitate and speed up typing and to prevent or correct errors the typist may make. Many touch typists also use keyboard shortcut or hotkeys when typing on a computer. This allows them to edit their document without having to take their hands off the keyboard to use a mouse. An example of a keyboard shortcut is touching the Ctrl key plus the S key to save a copy as you type, or the Ctrl key plus the Z key to undo a mistake. Many experienced typists can feel or sense when they've made an error and can hit the ← Backspace key and make the correction without missing a beat. MERITS OF TOUCH METHOD OF TYPEWRITING The advantages of touch method of typewriting are as under: 1. Saving of time and energy as the work is distributed amongst all the fingers of both the hands and it can also be specified as division oflabour among all the fingers of the hands. 2. The matter can be typed quickly due to less unnecessary movement of hands and eyes. 3. The high speed of typewriting can be achieved. 4. The touch typing technique is a far superior means of using data-entry devices. 5. The typist does not tire even after many hours of work because the work is divided among all the fingers. 6. This method ensures uniform impression and the matter typed with Touch Method gives a pleasing appearance. 24  7. There is less possibility of omission of words or lines. Unnecessary movement of eyes is also avoided. 8. The typist is not required to look at the keyboard. 9. Rhythm is maintained in this method of typewriting. 10. The typist can concentrate very well on the matter to be typed. The demerits of this system are that the typist has to memorise the keyboard, the location of keys, the different rows of the keyboard and besides this the typist has to concentrate his vision on the note book/source copy. Keys have to be operated as per the universal method of typing. 2.6 LEARNING HOME ROW: Given below is the picture of the QWERTY keyboard which is attached to the computer. As already discussed, this keyboard resembles with the keyboard of the standard typewriter. Since the typewriters have been rendered redundant, you will be taught on the QWERTY keyboard used in computers to have a wider knowledge: The centre row of keys on the keyboard is termed as "home row".On the standard keyboard, " ASDFJKL; " are the home keys on the home row where the typist has to keep his/her fingers. These fingers return to their home after depressing other keys on the keyboard. The typist needs to hold the fingers lightly above the home keys. Students are advised to practice the operation of Home Keys keeping in mind the following principles: 1) Make your four fingers of both hands to hover around the home keys in such a way that they touch the keys lightly 2) Depress the keys of your left hand fingers and type: a s d f g 3) Depress the space bar with right thumb 4) Depress the keys allotted to your right hand fingers and type: ; l k j h 5) Letters „f‟ and „g‟ are typed by the left hand fore-finger while letters „j‟ and „h‟ are typed by the fore-finger of your right hand. 6) Ultimately go on practicing: asdfg ;lkjhasdfg ;lkjh ASDFG :LKJH ASDFG :LKJH ASDFG :LKJH 25  Finger Key Left hand pinky A Left hand ring S Left hand middle D Left hand index F Right hand index J Right hand middle K Right hand ring L Right hand pinky ; Source: Google Image The space bar is pressed with either thumb. Most people probably use only one thumb (right hand). The thumbs basically float comfortably in the air when not in use. 2.7 LEARNING UPPER ROW: Source: Google image After a thorough practice of the „home keys‟, now you will learn to type an additional key with each of the left-hand pinky, ring and middle fingers (Q, W and E respectively), and two with the index finger (R & T) and additional key with each of the right-hand pinky, ring and middle fingers (P O and I respectively) and two with index finger (U & Y). One thing you must remember that when you move a finger from the home row to another one to type the other letters, effort should be made to keep fingers of both hands to return to their home bank after typing. You have to follow the same principles as laid down in the previous “learning home keys”. Practice the following: QWERT POIUY QWERT POIUY QWERT POIUY QWERT POIUY……. Qwertpoiuyqwertpoiuyqwertpoiuyqwertpoiuyqwertpoiuy 26 2.8 LEARNING BOTTOM ROW Before going to the bottom row, adjust your fingers of both hands on Home Keys. In reaching the bottom row you'll be tapping on 5 more keys with your right-hand fingers:B& N for the right-hand index finger, M for the middle, the comma for the ring, full stop for thepinky finger. The pinky will also handle the question mark, which is on the same key as the slash, but with the shift key. 5 more keys with your left-hand fingers: C V for the left- hand index finger, X for middle, Z for the ring and pinky finger is used to press the Shift Key :zxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnb Practice : zxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnbzxcv.,mnb ZXCV.,MNB ZXCV.,MNBZXCV.,MNBZXCV.,MNB ZXCV.,MNB ZXCV.,MNBZXCV.,MNBZXCV.,MNB 2.9 LEARNING NUMBER ROW: Typist should look at the keyboard and try to memorize the numbers and the fingers allocated for the depression of each key. It goes from 1 to 0 (think of "0" as "10" for this!), starting the count with the left-hand pinky finger, ending with the right-hand pinky finger. Instead of counting the thumbs use the index fingers for two numbers. Picture given below will provide you the hint. 27  Source: Google Image Before starting, keep your fingers on the home keys, making a light contact with keys of the keyboard. With the help of your fingers of left hand practice 12345 and after pressing the space bar depress the keys 09876 with the fingers of your right hand. Again repeat the same process. Type repeatedly: 12 12 34 34 123 1234 123 1234 12345 09 09 09 09 90 90 90 890 890 890 8907890 7890 7890 7890 7890 67890 67890 09876 12345 09876 12345 09876 12345 09876 12345 21 21 21 21 23 12 121 123 2345 9876 9876 9876 76 98 89 09 90 67890 34890 In the redundancy of typewriters, QWERTY keyboard has a special number pad on the right hand side. To use this to type numbers, you have to press the Num Lock key. There may be an indicator light at the top of the keyboard or on the „Num Lock‟ key itself to show that it‟s on. 28 2.10 LEARNING SPECIAL SIGNS AND SYMBOLS & ROMAN NUMBERS In universal keyboard, although four row keys are there but different manufacturers have added Special sign keys. The location of those keys has also been at different places. In the olden times, besides the special signs even the division sign, exclamation sign, dollar etc. were not allocated on the keyboard. Now a days, the keyboard that is used for computers, is divided into two parts. On the left side, there is a QWERTY keyboard; while on the right hand side, there is the location of numerals and special signs. Whenever any user had to make use of numerals, the typist then restricted his hands to the right-hand side portion of the keyboard from where the numerals could be typed easily and conveniently. There is no hard and fast rule for the operation of such keys. The golden rule is to remember the whole keyboard and the proper location of symbols. Review Questions: 1. Who invented the keyboard of Typewriter? 2. What is a Standard/universal keyboard? 3. Define character keys, adjustment keys and dead keys on the keyboard. 4. Why now days, the keyboard is called a QWERTY keyboard? 5. Explain the different methods of operating the keyboard. 29  6. Why touch system is superior to the sight system? 7. Differentiate between the horizontal and vertical typing 8. Explain what should be the sitting posture of the typist. 9. Name the Home keys. 10. Difference between the horizontal and vertical approach to typing. 11. Name the thumb striking the space bar. 12. Name the row on which the fingers should always hover upon before typing. 13. Explain the use of back-space key. State True or False 1. In typing mode, legs should be crossed 2. Place the typewriter in the middle when in use 3. QWERTY keyboard is different from universal keyboard of typewriter. 4. In universal keyboard, keys are arranged alphabetically. 5. Capital letters can be typed by the use of shift key. 6. Space bar is struck by one finger only. 7. For attaining accuracy and speed in typing, physical fitness is must. 8. Home row is called the second row. 9. Chair of the typist should be armless. Fill in the blanks: 1. The posture of the typist should be ……………… 2. Typing material should be kept on………….. side of the typist. 3. Touch system is preferred to --------------system of typing. 4. Backspace key is used for ……………….. 5. On depression of Spacekey or space bar once in laptop , the cursor moves ------------ 6. On QWERTY keyboard, delete key deletes character one character ………………… Unit-3 30