Typing with all the fingers???

By user45001 - updated: 10 years, 4 months ago - 23 messages

I've always only used two... does that automatically disqualify me or something?
As everyone says...F and J are the best places to keep your index fingers. Most keyboards have a raised dot or line on those keys to help you locate them without looking. Mavis Beacon is excellent software. I used it to teach both of my children how to type when they were taking computer classes. Whatever you do, good luck and have fun.
By dracarys - posted: 11 years, 3 months ago

Is better to use all the fingers. And a tip: use the thumb for press space ;)
By afbwelter - posted: 11 years, 3 months ago

This does not disqualify you from anything. This isn't a giant competition or anything. It DOES, however, automatically make you slower, so I would definitely suggest using all of your fingers. It may take some practice but just type in learn to type and several websites should show up that will guide you in your learning to type with all of your fingers, and without looking. It will take some time but it is definitely worth it in a day and age that revolves around being able to use a computer.
By nikkigrendy - posted: 11 years, 3 months ago

I also always used only two fingers and learned to type quite fast like that, but you can not do it without looking at the keyboard. I am now trying to learn typing with all fingers but it is very hard. Could you please suggest any websites where you can learn to type using all your fingers? Or where is some good exercises or challenges that you can do? It would help a lot!
Thank you!!
By lemontwist - posted: 11 years, 3 months ago

There are many online typing sites that will easily teach you to type the home row, all you need to do is Google "touch typing online" and you can choose from any number of sites listed and the one best suited to your skill.

Some blogs suggest the best sites both for adults and kids, only you know what you like, so it's best to do your own research.
By user43995 - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

Typing with two fingers is same as asking yourself is it enough to write with two fingers..
By kplamp - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

I highly recommend Mavis Beacon software for learning to type. I think it costs 10 dollars or so, but not only does it teach you type with all fingers, it analyzes your mistakes and give you practice where you need it so you aren't wasting your practice time. I have no affiliation with Mavis Beacon, just very satisfied with product when I used it several years ago. I increased my typing speed from about 50 to about 120 with that product over about three months, practicing 30 minutes per day.

On the other hand I've met a lot of people who are proficient enough with one or two fingers to get the job done -- and that's the important part!
By user32102 - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

If you can type fast I think that's all that matters.
But as read on I see that most people are saying that it slows you down.
Plus I think it looks more professional when typing fast with all fingers
but your not alone I use all fingers and not very fast yet!!
Updated 11 years, 2 months ago
By user37933 - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

You don't necessarily have to use all your fingers, I know fast typists using 6-7 fingers who have their own method of touch-typing. But yes, only 2 and LOOKING on the keyboard are major limiting factors.

Why looking on the keyboard limits you: The thing that makes touch-typing fast is the automation involved wherein you type the letters, words and sentences on the screen without thinking about it. The consciousness involved is greatly reduced. If you type looking on the keyboard that means you are still searching for the keys and there's nothing automatic about it.


Why using only 2 fingers limits you: If you look at examples of the fastest typing (80 wpm+), the typists flies on sentences that he is typing on. To achieve that great of a mileage, hitting so many keys nearly simultaneously only with the help of 2 fingers seems to be quite an overdose and will invariably tire them out.
By user46398 - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

The best three ways of learning to touch type for me depend very much on limiting your ability to look at the keyboard. These ways can be achieved as follows -
1. Throw a light cloth (like a tea towel, dish cloth) over your hands and keyboard. (This was how the supervisor of the typing pool taught us at lunch time sessions when I was a young graduate in 1980's.)
2. Spend a lot of time travelling in an aeroplane at night time and try to clear your massively large inbox. (I did this a lot between Australia and USA, and tried not to disturb my neighbouring passenger with the reading light.)
3. Sit in your office/study and work using only the light of your laptop screen. (I do this at night time when I dislike the bright room light in my study.)

Have a go at these methods and I can guarantee that you will improve over the course of a few weeks. :)

(Of course, you first need to learn that your index fingers must be placed on the home keys F and J to start. All the other keys just come 'naturally' when you can't see them!)
Updated 11 years, 2 months ago
By lane-train - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

Make the home keys (F and J) your best friends, as you'll be resting your left index finger on the F and right index on the J. Find a program (one user mentioned Mavis Beacon) that will teach your muscle memory with small words (to, the, do, etc..).

Over time with steady practice, you'll notice how easily you start to remember where everything is. Soon you'll be able to type without even thinking about where the keys are.
By ademhasani - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

I remember playing a game a few years ago, can't remember the title of the game though, but it learned me how to type with all fingers and it was fun.
Try to find some games out there.
By chococheez - posted: 11 years, 2 months ago

Using all the fingers makes you type faster, but using two technically doesn't break any rules...
By kaifoong211 - posted: 11 years, 1 month ago

I've seen a friend who type quite fast with 2 fingers. However, this person has to look at the keyboard to do so, which I believe, same for most 2 fingers typist.

If we practice enough using the closest finger on the desired key, it will be auto programmed into our sub-conscious mind.
By kaikaikaikaikai - posted: 11 years, 1 month ago

I used this site "http://www.sense-la…" to learn touch-typing with all fingers.

It starts with J and F only and then introduces 2 new keys (one for each hand) with each new lesson. I just practiced the lessons (they generate random strings of keys) until I was at a wpm of 20, then moved on to the next lesson. You gotta use some discipline not to look at the keyboard, though.

Once I finally had all letters of the alphabet available to me I moved on to keyhero. Haven't fallen back into my old ways ever since, and looking at the keyboard actually slows me down nowadays.
Updated 11 years, 1 month ago
By chanyphilly87 - posted: 10 years, 6 months ago

Type whichever way you feel most comfortable. If it works for you then that's all that matters.
By adam_fort - posted: 10 years, 5 months ago

You'd better get rid of hunt-n-pecking style. Learn the ropes at http://www.ratatype… and start practicing from scratch.
By stormyeyd - posted: 10 years, 5 months ago

As everyone says...F and J are the best places to keep your index fingers. Most keyboards have a raised dot or line on those keys to help you locate them without looking. Mavis Beacon is excellent software. I used it to teach both of my children how to type when they were taking computer classes. Whatever you do, good luck and have fun.
By svillars - posted: 10 years, 5 months ago

I learned to type growing up using Mavis Beacon as well. Good stuff!
Updated 10 years, 5 months ago
By teil0 - posted: 10 years, 4 months ago

I keep my index fingers on V and N. My middle fingers are on F and J.
By latinababbitt - posted: 10 years, 4 months ago

hi my name is LaTina whats yours i just don.t get this and im thirteen years old
By latinababbitt - posted: 10 years, 4 months ago

hi my name is LaTina and im therteen years old and im having a lot of fun in schooll
By momoe7725 - posted: 10 years, 4 months ago

It kind of does, that's not proper typing. That's what this website's for, to teach you how to type more speedy, accurately, and properly.