HISTORY

The invention of the modern computer keyboard began with the invention of the typewriter. Christopher Latham Sholes patented the typewriter that we commonly use today in 1868. The emington Company mass marketed the first typewriters starting in 18!!.

Inventions Leading to the Computer Keyboard

" few key technological developments created the transition of the typewriter into the computer keyboard. The teletype machine# introduced in the 1$%&s# combined the technology of the typewriter 'used as an input and a printing device( with the telegraph. )lsewhere# punched card systems were combined with typewriters to create what was called keypunches. *eypunches were the basis of early adding machines and +,- was selling over one million dollars worth of adding machines in 1$%1. )arly computer keyboards were first adapted from the punch card and teletype technologies. +n 1$.6# the )niac computer used a punched card reader as its input and output device. +n 1$.8# the ,inac computer used an electromechanically controlled typewriter to both input data directly onto magnetic tape 'for feeding the computer data( and to print results. The emerging electric typewriter further improved the technological marriage between the typewriter and the computer.

Video Display Terminals

,y 1$6.# -+T# ,ell Laboratories and /eneral )lectric had collaborated to create a computer system called -ultics0 a time sharing# multi1user system. -ultics encouraged the development of a new user interface# the video display terminal. The video display terminals '23T( combined the technology of the cathode ray tube used in televisions and electric typewriters. Computer users could now see what te4t they were typing on their display screens making te4t easier to create# edit and delete# and computers easier to program and use.

Computer Keyboards Send Dire t !le troni Impulses

)arlier computer keyboards had been based either on teletype machines or keypunches. There were many electromechanical steps in transmitting data between the keyboard and the computer that slowed things down. 5ith 23T technology and electric keyboards# the keyboard6s keys could now send electronic impulses directly to the computer and save time. ,y the late 7!&s and early 78&s# all computers used electronic keyboards and 23Ts. 8evertheless# the layout of the computer keyboard still owes its origin to the inventor of the first typewriter# Christopher Latham Sholes who also invented the 95) T: layout. ;owever# the computer keyboard does have a few e4tra function keys.

"dvantages # Disadvantages o$ %sing the &'!RTY Keyboard

The 95) T: keyboard design was based on typewriter issues. The 95) T: keyboard layout has been the standard for typewriter and computer keyboards

since the late 18&&s. +t was originally designed to help prevent typebar <ams# which occurred when two typewriter keys near one another were struck simultaneously and would tangle together inside the machine111a problem obviously irrelevant for computer keyboards. ;owever# while other keyboard designs have been presented in the last century# none remain as popular as the 95) T:.

Computer "dvantages
The only real advantage the 95) T: keyboard has for computers and laptops is familiarity. ,ecause it has e4isted for so long# it is the first method most people use when learning to type# and many are reluctant to learn a new layout later in life. Schools are reluctant to teach typing on another keyboard layout because most companies use 95) T: keyboards# and if students aren6t comfortable or familiar with that layout# they might be at a disadvantage when looking for <obs.

Computer Disadvantages
The 95) T: keyboard was designed with the purpose of solving a typewriter issue# one that has no relevance with today6s computers and laptops. -ore recent keyboard layouts# such as the 3vorak# claim that the 95) T: design causes a lot of unnecessary movement in the hands# wasting time and leading to greater risk of issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome. +n one e4ample# a paragraph typed on a 3vorak keyboard involved %= percent less movement than the same paragraph typed on the 95) T:# which could represent around a minute of work.

(obile Devi e "dvantages

-ore work is being done today on mobile devices such as >3"s and smart phones than ever before. -ost of these devices come standard with some form of a 95) T: keyboard111typically a bar style# a touch screen# a slide out style or a flip style# in which the keyboard is condensed so that each number has two to four letters. The only real advantage the 95) T: keyboard offers in this case is again familiarity. -ost smart phone and >3" owners own computers and are familiar with the layout# so finding letters when typing a te4t message or email on a mobile device is already second nature.

(obile Devi e Disadvantages

,ecause all 1& fingers are not used to type on mobile devices# the 95) T: has even less relevance. -ost smart phone owners use their thumbs to type111a slow process on a 95) T: keyboard that wastes time. -ore mobile devices# including tablet computers# are moving toward touch screen technology# and keyboards are now emerging that make typing more convenient that the 95) T:# such as Swype# which allows you to trace out words by swiping your finger from one letter to another. "s these mobile devices continue to advance# the 95) T: keyboard becomes increasingly more awkward and difficult to manage.