Typing is the process of inputting text into a device, such as a typewriter, computer, or a calculator, by pressing keys on a keyboard. It can be distinguished from other means of input, such as the use of pointing devices like the computer mouse, and text input via speech recognition.

As of 2005, typing is by far the dominant method of inputting text into computers, speech recognition being a distant second.

User interface features such as spell checker, autocomplete and autoreplace serve to facilitate and speed up typing and to prevent or correct errors the typist may make.

Technique

The basic technique includes these principles:

1. Use the home row technique
2. Keep wrists up and not resting on desk or keyboard to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
3. Place feet flat on the floor in front of you
4. Sit with back straight and supported by back of chair
5. Keep elbows close to your sides with forearms slanted slightly upward to the keyboard
6. Use touch typing – eyes should remain on source copy at all times

See also

• Touch typing
• Hunt and peck typing
• Words per minute
• Key depressions per hour