I noticed a little while ago that my friend Mark Horvath mentioned that he somehow lost a day, and it’s now Thursday. Well, let’s correct that. Since it’s well after midnight now, it’s actually Friday already! How the heck did that happen? I swear the week just started. You’re telling me it’s over already?!

I know I didn’t accomplish everything I set out to get done this week. Did you? How does the time slip away so fast during this time of year? The holidays are creeping in closer and faster, and I’m not ready yet! I haven’t hung my stocking. I haven’t finished decorating my house. I haven’t baked cookies for Santa yet!!! How am I supposed to get any work done with all of these uber-important things hanging over me? Heck – let’s not even TALK about shopping for presents!

TGIF, everyone!

• Just how risky is that domain?
• What are some great gifts to give Geeks?
• Concentrate on impressing your co-workers, instead of your boss.
• How do you manage to express your thoughts when you don’t think it’s possible to?
• Don’t deal with pushy phone reps. Cancel any contract easily.
• Is Google the future of the news?
• What netbook is best for a college student?
• Is DirectX11 living up to the hype?
• QWERTY vs Dvorak – what do you use?
• Google wants to be your public DNS provider.
• Check out the hottest new apps and software, at excellent prices.
• It’s official – Google has expanded to offering the kitchen sink.
• Microsoft has started a new Bing campaign.
• Comcast buys NBC – does anyone care?
• Apple has set their sales goals for 2010.

How Did Friday Get Here Already?

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When I first started typing, my speed was about one word per minute – and it was on a typewriter. Back then, personal computers didn’t exist, and neither did electric typewriters. Later in life, I had to unlearn poor habits that I had learned in the course of teaching myself how to type. These days, I type around 100 wpm, which isn’t too bad. If you don’t type properly, there’s really no reason you shouldn’t learn. In this day and age of computers everywhere, you really need to be able to type properly – and quickly. The worst part will be unlearning your bad habits!

If you want to learn how to type, you don’t need to spend any money. You only need a computer and Internet access, and the knowledge that this website exists! typingweb is a free online typing tutor. Upon completing the Typing Test 5 times you will be given the option to create a printable TypingWeb Certificate of Completion containing your average score for the last 5 tests completed. There is support for all different types of keyboards and languages, as well as tutorials on mastering 10-key typing!

See what I’m telling you? There’s no reason in the World you shouldn’t be taking advantage of this site and the opportunities it can give you. As they say on the website itself: How can the Internet grow if it takes an hour to type an email?. Truer words were never typed!

If typingweb isn’t what you’re looking for, check out the old standby – Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. You can use these Broderbund coupons to purchase Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum for only $19.99:

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How to Learn How to Type

Kevin L. has been typing up a storm:

Hey Chris, I’ve been a fan of yours ever since you were on Call for Help. I used to love that station, and wish they still had a station that had enthusiastic tech, help, news, and a lot of fun mixed in. Although, these days I rarely watch TV. I do, however, watch a ton of YouTube videos – by you and the Tinkernut guy.

Recently, I was researching the Dvorak keyboard layout. I learned that it was developed for comfort and speed. The standard of our English keyboards (Qwerty) was designed so that typewriters wouldn’t get jammed – almost a century and a half ago. A lot of uber-geeks out there think that Dvorak is a simpler and faster method for typing.

I was wondering if you had ever tried or given any thought to using Dvorak? I would think this would make a great video. It might make an even greater poll. But this can also be used to prank your unsuspecting friends (not that I would do something so sinister). Thank you for entertaining, and informing us geeks.

Despite having friends who swear by Dvorak, I haven’t felt the need to switch it up. If only because it’s not quite standard – and I can’t imagine the frustration of walking up to a Qwerty keyboard and having to shift mental gears. Not to mention, I don’t feel like I’m a slow typer at 100+ WPM (on a good day).

I’d be interested in hearing from the community on this one.

Dvorak vs Qwerty