Typing practice

Let's practise typing, on a computer keyboard and on a phone. Typing is one of the most useful computer skills you can learn. The secret is to be accurate first. Speed comes later, with practice. On a computer keyboard, rest your fingers on the middle row of letters. It's called the home row. Your left fingers sit on A, S, D and F. Your right fingers sit on J, K and L. The F and J keys have small bumps, so you can find them without looking. Your thumbs rest on the space bar, ready to add a space between words. For a capital letter, hold Shift with one hand and press the letter with the other hand. On a phone, tap the arrow key once for one capital letter, or tap it twice to lock capitals on. Tap the key marked one two three to switch to numbers and symbols, like the question mark or the at sign. As you type, the phone suggests words above the keyboard. Tapping a suggestion saves time, but always check it chose the word you meant.

Good typing habits

Sit up straight, with the screen at about the height of your eyes. Try to look at the screen instead of your fingers. It feels slow at first, but it makes you much faster later. Practise for a few minutes every day. Little and often works best. And always read your words again before you send them.

Quick check

Quick check. Which two keys have small bumps to help you find the home row? F and J. Feel for the bumps and your fingers are in the right place. Options: Q and P; F and J; Enter and Shift; Space and Tab.

Recap

Aim for accuracy first. Speed comes later. Keep your fingers on the home row. On a phone, use the arrow key for capitals and the one two three key for numbers. And practise a little every day.

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