Typing History
The history of typing begins when the British inventor, Henry Mill obtained a British patent in 1741 for a machine designed to make impressions on paper. Thus the first typewriter was "born." The next typewriter patent was issued in 1829 to an American, William Burt. This machine consisted of a semicircular wheel which revolved to the desired letter and then made an impression on paper. In 1833 the Frenchman, Xavier Progin, patented a basic principle found in the modern typewriter. Each letter and symbol was on a separate type bar actuated by separate lever keys.

There were numerous attempts to invent a practical typewriter. Then in 1867, Sholes invented his first machine. This was refined, and in 1873 Sholes signed a contract with the Remington Arms Company, a gun manufacturer, to build the Remington typewriter.

Initially the machine only contained capital letters, but it was later modified by placing two letters, upper- and lower-case on each type bar. With the use of the shift key, upper and lower case printing was possible. By 1900 the Remington was selling at the rate of 100,000 typewriters per year.

Early Features Still in Use
The Remington had features that are still part of modern typewriters: a keyboard; a carriage containing the platen (the large roller), and a small roller (or multiple small rollers) to hold the paper in place. Of particular concern to this WEB site is the keyboard, which despite the optical scanners and other devices, remains the primary input device media for most applications.

Could you imagine what the early keyboard inventors would think of the modern-day keyboard that is standard with a computer? It would be difficult for them to comprehend that millions of these units are shipped each year.

Notice the "click" sound that is produced when touch typing on a modern keyboard. This, along with the "feel" of the keys provides feedback to the typist.

The widespread available of keyboards, along with the technical advances are not without health related problems. A brief typing history would not be complete without a discussion of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Click on Reducing RSI for more information.

Because speed and accuracy are important, most people learn the "touch typing" system. This system consists of assigning letters to each specific finger. The typist has to learn how to type without looking at his/her fingers. The "secret" is to use typing programs, such as Nimblefingers. These modern programs have been developed by educators for use in training students. The programs introduce each key-finger reach one at a time.

Once touch typing is mastered, the quality of the correspondence increases. This is because the typist can concentrate on the subject matter without the distraction of having to be concerned about which key should be pressed.

Typing Tips

Locate the home-row keys. Force yourself to use the correct fingers to strike the keys. If you forget which finger to use, look at the picture accompanying the exercise. The beginning exercises are extremely important because you are developing correct keystroke patterns.

No magic needed to type. Learning how to type is not magic. It requires patience and more practice. Use Nimble Fingers and let the Little Professor be your guide in developing valuable skills.

Check your hands. Hands should slant at the same angle as the keyboard. Do not let your wrists become lazy and rest against the desk or keyboard.

Check your fingers. Are your fingers curved? Strike each key with the pad of your finger, not your fingernail.

Move only the needed finger. Train your fingers to stay on their assigned home row key. Pivot with the little or index finger for long reaches. Immediately return to the correct home row key.

Monitor your monitor. Adjust the angle of your monitor to minimize glare. Tilt the angle of the screen or slightly darken the room.

Relax and stretch. Periodically get up and move or stretch your neck, arm, and hand muscles to combat fatigue.

Clear your brain and practice. Spend five minutes a day on warm up and speed building drills. At first, think each letter. Eventually, think and type the word.

Do not worry about speed and accuracy. Relax. However, always use the correct finger/keystroke pattern. Speed and accuracy will develop naturally through practice once your fingers have been correctly trained.

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F.A.Q.

Which exercise would you select?
With Nimble Fingers You select the drill of interest.
Note that all the letters of the alphabetic are included in an
exercise. This helps you to build speed and accuracy by practicing
difficult as well as simple keystrokes.

How about a tearful exercise?
In Cajun country, barbecued shrimp isn't really barbecued, smoked, or
even quickly grilled. It is cooked in a mess of highly seasoned oil.
The seasoning adds extra zip to the brew and often contains cayenne
pepper, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, onions, and garlic. I love shrimp,
but you can keep the spicy sauce. It is excessively hot and causes acid
indigestion. However many people, with tears in their eyes, love it.

Or an exercise on bicycles?
Bike tires should be inflated to the air pressure recommended on the tire
sidewalls. Riders who do not weigh much might adjust the pressure to a
lower level. Heavier riders might wish extra pressure to avoid hazards.
Gas station hoses inflate bicycle tires too rapidly and the pressure they
indicate is often inaccurate. Hand pumps are best and a pressure gauge
should be used to assure an adequate tire inflation pressure.

Or an exercise on a Sumo Wrestler?
Six months after their marriage, Japan's top, foreign-born, 516-pound sumo
wrestler held a gala for high-society wedding guests. I am trying to
conjure an image of him with his wife, who is a school teacher. Is she a
fragile, quiet, underweight little woman, or is she of equal size? One
must be very careful asking these giants obnoxious questions. I saw
a sumo wrestler throw a 350-pound antagonist out of the ring.

Or an exercise on an oxygen treatment?
Burn victims and scuba divers who rise too quickly to the surface and
suffer from the bends make medical use of oxygen treatment in a hyper-
baric chamber. However, Hollywood celebrities who are willing to pay
$200 per hour come in just to get energized and relax. Patients watch
videos and listen to music while the treatment supposedly regenerates
cells and cleans out toxins. Do some people have more money than brains?