The knowledge of touch typing has become inevitable today in the use of computers. With our typing tutor we show our users an easy and simple way to learn touch typing. Our typing tutor is self-understanding, so you can start right away (without lots of documentation). TypingQueen has a course of 20 typing lessons. Whether you are beginner or have experience in touch typing, this typing tutor is tailor-made for you. Even people with daily use can also improve their typing skills with TypingQueen. For example, you can reach 60 or more words per minute ( wpm ) without fail. New in this version: 4 typing games and typing test.
The creation of a working area which is as comfortable as possible is of great importance, both in the office and at home. The selection of ergonomic equipment is very important and can make a substantial difference to user's comfort. However, that is not the only measure which can be taken to create an ergonomic working area. Factors such as seat height, sitting position and the positioning of office equipment on the desk can also significantly influence your level of comfort.
- Choose a good office chair. Choose a chair that supports your lower back. When you are sitting the part of the spine in the lower back should bend naturally. A cushion or a back support could support this. Adjust your chair and desk to an optimal height. If necessary, use a foot support.
- Tidy up under your desk. Remove any obstacles under your desk which may hinder your ability to fully stretch your legs.
- Take your posture into consideration. With the following guidelines you can establish your optimal position when working on the PC: * Place mouse and keyboard at the same height as your elbows. Your upper arms should hang downwards in as relaxed a manner as possible. * The keyboard should be situated directly in front of you, with the mouse as close as possible next to it. * Keep your wrists straight. Relaxed positioning of arms, hands and fingers. * Try to exert as little pressure as possible on the keys and on the mouse.
- Define your optimal range of activity. Place frequently required equipment, like telephone, calendar or files, within reach, and remove obstacles, such as coffee cups. Your optimal range of activity is between 50 and 70cm from your body, depending on your size.
- Consider the position of your monitor. Place the monitor directly in front of you at a distance of approximately an arm’s length, with the upper border of the screen at approximately eye level. Consider using a document holder to hold papers at eye level. Place the monitor away from sources of bright light and control the amount of light from windows. Clean the screen regularly. Those who wear glasses should clean them regularly, too.
- Take breaks. Plan your work so that particular tasks don’t take up an excessive amount of time. Don’t forget to take regular recovery breaks.
In short, these are the key elements of a positive working environment
Chair * height: adjustable between 42cm and 53cm * depth: 38-44cm. Width: 40-48cm (at least 2/3 of your legs should be on the seat) * back rest about 48 to 55cm above the seat * back rest should be adjustable in terms of height and angle * while sitting, the spine should be well cushioned * should be steady and secure (also when reclined). The chair should also have 5 castors * synchronous mechanics should be individually adjustable * seat should have a rounded front edge and be well upholstered * foot support for small people and for desks which aren’t height adjustable * upholstery with a non-slip material
Desk * sufficient height (72cm), ideally height adjustable between 68 and 76cm (guideline for people of a height between 157 and 187cm) * minimum surface area of 160cm x 80cm * vibrating devices like printers should be on an extra table * sufficient space for your legs * non-reflective surface
Screen * distance from screen depends on the size – 15” approx. 50cm, 17” approx. 60cm, 21” approx. 80cm * upper border at eye level * the screen tilted slightly backwards * positioned directly into your field of vision * positioned parallel to windows and between 2 strip lights * positive presentation of text (dark text on bright background) * legible characters on the monitor
Room * the room should be bright and spacious. * the ideal room temperature is approx. 22 degrees Celsius, with a humidity level of approx. 50%. * use equipment that is as quiet as possible
Lighting * use as much natural light as possible * lamps shone in your line of vision * even lighting of the working space * lights mustn’t flicker * dazzling (direct and reflex) should be reduced
Basics of touch typing
Whenever you type place your fingers in the following position (home row keys):
Your fingers should always rest gently on their assigned home row
keys. This is the position, in which touch typing is done, and from this position you reach all other
keys. Move only the finger needed to strike a key. After striking a key go back to the assigned home row key.
Colors:
Every key is marked with one of the following finger-colors: (Keyboard Skin: "Standard")
Shift key
Shift key is used for switching from lower case to upper
case and vice versa.
Example:
To type 'L'
1. First press the shift key on the left side and keep
it pressed. 3. After that lift your finger from 'L' key.
The Typing Course
TypingQueen has a course of 20 typing lessons. The course is for beginners and for expirienced users who want to refresh their typing skills.
Texts
All users who have reached the lesson 18 can use texts form "...\Exercises\Text" Most texts are form well known writers.
Your own exercises
TypingQueen gives you the capability to create you own exercises. See paragraph New Exercises
New Texts
Every user can make his own texts (*.txt), open with TypingQueen and practice with it
Display-parameters
With this parameter you can choose between 5 possibilities. Look and see which is the best for you.
Proofreading To hear a sound after each error (only for the first two proofreading possibilities) use parameter "Sound after each error"
When the parameter "Show user input" is not selected, then TypingQueen shows "*****" instead of typed characters
With the parameter "Show keyboard" you can choose to display or not to display the "keyboard".
With the parameter "Show keyboard letters" you can display blank "keyboard" or labeled "keyboard".
"Visible Characters"
With this parameter you can select readable area of the
read window.
"Speed words per minute ( wpm )"
With this parameter you choose speed (words per minute -
wpm) as you
wish.
After every exercise (Learning Level 2 / at least one line) TypingQueen calculates your improvement. You don't get any grades but smile symbols:
We have 3 assessment levels: "Beginners", "Intermediate" and "Advanced" so each user can choose his assessment level.
This is a guideline for all other settings. If you don't want to waste time experimenting with settings then just choose one of three basic settings.
TypingQueen saves the last 100 exercises and assessments. They are arranged according to date and time, so you can see your progress. You can use command "Use for next exercise" to repeat the selected exercise.
With Menu-Command “Exercise/Create a new exercise” you can create your own exercise. Just choose characters of your choice, select between upper or lower keys and you have made your own exercise! Every new exercise has 10 lines x 54 characters. TypingQueen picks at random your characters for this exercise. Important: With this option you have the possibility to use a different learning concept (apart from TypingQueen concept), for example to integrate lessons you have in a Course.
Legend:
The goal of the game: The goal of the game is to hit all invaders on the screen. How to play the game
By pressing the character on the left side of the player, the player moves
left. After each move the typing tutor generates new characters. When a red ball hits the player you lose one life. If an invader hits the player you lose one life. An invader can hit and destroy a brick with a red ball. An invader can be destroyed with a blue ball. You can hit and destroy a brick with a blue ball (not advantageous for you).
Legend:
The goal of the game: The goal of the game is to hit and destroy all bricks on the screen. How to play the game By pressing the character on the left side of the player, the player moves left. By pressing the character on the right side of the player, the player moves right. By pressing the character in the middle of the player, the player shoots the blue ball. After each move the typing tutor generates new characters. When a green ball hits the player it bounces back. When the last green ball misses the player and disappears from the screen, you lose one life (you have 3 lives to begin with). You can hit and destroy a brick with a green ball or with a blue ball. If an invader hits the player you lose one life. An invader can only be destroyed with a blue ball. .
Invasion Legend:
The goal of the game: The goal of the game is to conquer more than 75% of the playing field. How to play the game: By pressing the character on the left side of the player, the player moves left. By pressing the character on the right side of the player, the player moves right.. By pressing the upper character, the player moves up. By pressing the lower character, the player moves down. After each move the typing tutor generates new characters for all four directions. You can conquer part of the playing field by closing the red line with the playing field border. When an invader hits the red line you lose one life. Invaders cannot be destroyed.
Puzzle The goal of the game: The goal of the game is to place parts of the puzzle in the following way:
How to play the game There are four characters in the empty square of the puzzle. By pressing the left character, the puzzle part on the left side moves to the right. By pressing the right character, the puzzle part on the right side moves to the left. By pressing the upper character, the upper part of the puzzle moves down. By pressing the lower character, the lower part of the puzzle moves up. After each move the typing tutor generates new characters for all four directions.
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This assessment shows approximately grades A and B
This assessment shows approximately grades C and D
This assessment shows approximately grade F
