Use Free Online Tutorials to Learn to Type in Dvorak

Many writers and others who do a lot of typing use the keyboard layout known as Dvorak.

Dvorak can be faster to type with than the traditional QWERTY layout, according to PowerTyping.com. Many typists say it puts less strain on their hands, leading to fewer problems with repetitive strain injuries.

The downside to switching is having to learn how to type again after years of practice with QWERTY. But with free online tutorials and consistent practice, it's possible to be typing accurately, if slowly, within a month.

How to Learn Dvorak

You'll probably learn Dvorak faster if you don't type in QWERTY while learning, but if you need to type quickly for work -- or if you play games that use the keyboard -- you can switch back and forth. Once you start trying to type in Dvorak when you mean to type in QWERTY, you can switch full-time for extra practice.

Watch out for keyboard shortcuts. If you try to type the old Ctrl-x, you'll type Ctrl-q instead.

You can download and print an image of the Dvorak keyboard layout from Wikipedia or other websites, including the PowerTyping tutorial discussed below.

Switch Your Keyboard Layout

In Windows XP, go to the Regional and Language Options of the Control Panel. On the Languages tab, click "Details." A new dialog box appears.

In the Installed services section of the Settings tab, click "Add." Select the United States-Dvorak layout from the second drop-down box. Click "OK."

Back on the Settings tab, click "Language Bar." Click "Show the language bar on the desktop." The language bar lets you quickly switch the keyboard layout, which can be convenient if you want to stick with QWERTY while you're learning Dvorak.

Click "OK" to save all the settings.

Dvorak Tutorial 1: ABCD: A Basic Course in Dvorak

ABCD: A Basic Course in Dvorak provides people new to Dvorak with a thorough introduction to the new keyboard layout. It introduces letters and punctuation two keys at a time, and every second lesson is a review that reinforces the new keystrokes.