Dvorak keyboard layouts (95141)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.2
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.21
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.22
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q95141

SUMMARY

The downloadable Ga0650.exe file contains Dvorak keyboard layouts that make the most frequently typed characters on a keyboard more accessible to people who have difficulty using the standard "QWERTY" layout.

There are three Dvorak layouts: one for two-handed users, one for people who type only with their left hand, and one for people who type only with their right hand. The left-hand or right-hand keyboard layouts can also be used by people who type with a wand.

Note The single-handed layouts are designed for computers that use Intel x86-based processors. These layouts are not compatible with MIPS or other non-Intel-based computers that are running Microsoft Windows NT.

MORE INFORMATION

THE TEXT OF GA0650

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  Microsoft(R) Product Support Services Application Note (Text File)

                    GA0650: DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUTS

======================================================================

                                                   Revision Date: 3/96
The following information applies to Microsoft MS-DOS(R), Windows(R), Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT(R), and Windows 95 (see below for version numbers). 
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|                                                                    |
| Copyright 1996 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.         |
| Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are registered          |
| trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.                               |
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| Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.              |
| This document was created using Word for Windows.                  |
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This Application Note applies to MS-DOS 5.0, 6.0, 6.2, 6.21, or 6.22, Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.1 or 3.11, Windows NT 3.1, 3.5, or 3.51, and Microsoft Windows 95.

INTRODUCTION

Microsoft distributes Dvorak keyboard layouts that make the most frequently typed characters on a keyboard more accessible to people who have difficulty using the standard "QWERTY" layout. There are three Dvorak layouts: one for two-handed users, one for people who type only with their left hand, and one for people who type only with their right hand. The left- or right-hand keyboard layouts can also be used by people who type with a wand.

The enclosed disk includes files that provide new keyboard layouts for Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0, 6.0, 6.2, 6.21, or 6.22, Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.1 or 3.11, Windows NT 3.1, 3.5, or 3.51, and Microsoft Windows 95.

This application note explains how to install these layouts and restore your original layout. It also provides illustrations of the layouts.

WHAT IS A KEYBOARD LAYOUT?

A keyboard layout is a map or a definition of how keys are laid out on your keyboard. The keyboard layout you use is determined by software in your computer. The letters on your keys indicate the standard layout for your keyboard. There are many different keyboard layouts in use throughout the world. The one you ordinarily use depends on the country you are in or the language you use.

Dvorak Keyboard Layouts

Dvorak keyboard layouts are based on designs created by Dr. August Dvorak, a professor at the University of Washington during the 1930s and 1940s. Dr. Dvorak studied the way people type standard English, and determined the most common letter combinations. He then designed new keyboard layouts to speed up typing and reduce fatigue. These layouts, now called Dvorak or simplified keyboard layouts, were initially developed for two-handed typists. Following World War II, Dvorak layouts were developed for typists who use the right or left hand alone.

INSTALLING A DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUT FOR MS-DOS

This Application Note provides the Dvorak.sys file. This file supports the Dvorak keyboard layouts for two-handed and single-handed typists who use MS-DOS 5.0, 6.0, 6.2, 6.21, or 6.22.

To Install a United States (U.S.) Dvorak Keyboard Layout for MS-DOS

  1. If you received a disk with this Application Note, insert the disk in the appropriate floppy disk drive.

    If you downloaded this Application Note from an online service, skip to step 2. This procedure assumes that you have already downloaded and extracted the compressed file.
  2. Copy the Dvorak.sys file from the GA0650 disk or from the folder containing the file you downloaded from an online service to your MS-DOS directory by typing the following command at the MS-DOS command prompt and pressing ENTER:

    copy <drive>:\dvorak.sys <destination>

    where <drive> is the floppy disk drive containing the GA0650 disk or the folder containing the file you downloaded from an online service and <destination> is the drive and directory where your MS-DOS files reside. For example, if you inserted the GA0650 disk in drive A and your MS-DOS directory is called DOS and is on drive C, type the following line at the MS-DOS command prompt and press ENTER:

    copy a:\dvorak.sys c:\dos\dvorak.sys

  3. To begin using one of the new keyboard layouts, type the appropriate command (as shown in the table below) at the MS-DOS command prompt and press ENTER:
           Keyboard Layout     Command
       ----------------------------------------------
       Two-handed          keyb dv,,c:\dos\dvorak.sys
       Right-handed        keyb rh,,c:\dos\dvorak.sys
       Left-handed         keyb lh,,c:\dos\dvorak.sys
To load one of these keyboard layouts automatically when your computer starts, include the appropriate KEYB command in your Autoexec.bat file. The KEYB command should be placed after a PATH command that includes your MS-DOS directory. If your Autoexec.bat file includes the WIN or DOSSHELL command, make sure the KEYB command comes before the WIN or DOSSHELL command.

Once you have loaded one of the Dvorak layouts, you can easily switch between the Dvorak layout and the U.S. standard layout. To switch back to the U.S. standard layout, press CTRL+ALT+F1. To switch to the Dvorak layout, press CTRL+ALT+F2.

To Disable the United States (U.S.) Dvorak Keyboard Layout for MS-DOS

To disable the United States (U.S.) Dvorak keyboard layout for MS-DOS, open the Autoexec.bat file (with a text editor such as MS-DOS Editor), delete the line with the KEYB command, save the file, and restart your computer.

INSTALLING A DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUT FOR WINDOWS 3.1 OR WINDOWS FOR WORKGROUPS

This Application Note provides the Kbdusr.dll and Kbdusl.dll files. These files support the Dvorak keyboard layouts for Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups 3.1 or 3.11 users who type with the right hand or left hand alone. Windows already includes the U.S. Dvorak keyboard layout for users who type with two hands.

NOTE: If you use MS-DOS-based programs with Windows, you must install the Dvorak layouts for MS-DOS in order to get Dvorak support for those programs. For instructions, see the previous section, "Installing a Dvorak Keyboard Layout for MS-DOS."

To Install the U.S. Dvorak Keyboard Layout for Two-Handed Typists

  1. Run Control Panel.
  2. In Control Panel, double-click the International icon. The International dialog box appears.
  3. In the Keyboard Layout box, click US-Dvorak.
  4. Click OK.
To disable the two-handed Dvorak layout and restore your original layout, follow the steps in the preceding procedure. In step 3, choose your original layout.

To Install a U.S. Dvorak Keyboard Layout for Single-Handed Typists

  1. If you received a disk with this Application Note, insert the disk in the appropriate floppy disk drive.

    If you downloaded this Application Note from an online service, skip to step 2. This procedure assumes that you have already downloaded and extracted the compressed file.
  2. If you want to use the right-handed Dvorak layout, copy the Kbdusr.dll file to the Windows\System folder on your hard disk. If you want to use the left-handed Dvorak layout, copy the Kbdusl.dll file to the Windows\System folder on your hard disk. You can do this by typing the following command at the MS-DOS command prompt and pressing ENTER:

    copy <drive>:\<progname> <destination>

    where <drive> is the floppy disk drive containing the GA0650 disk or the folder containing the file you downloaded from an online service, <progname> is Kbdusr.dll for the right-handed layout or Kbdusl.dll for the left-handed layout, and <destination> is the drive and folder for the Windows\System folder.

    For example, if you inserted the GA0650 disk in drive A and your Windows folder is called Windows and is on drive C, type one of the following commands at the MS-DOS command prompt:

    copy a:\kbdusr.dll c:\windows\system\kbdusr.dll

    -or-

    copy a:\kbdusl.dll c:\windows\system\kdbusl.dll

    If you are using a shared copy of Windows that is installed on a network server, copy the file to your private Windows folder.
  3. Use a text editor, such as Notepad, to open the System.ini file in the Windows folder.
  4. Find the section that begins with the following line:
       [keyboard]
  5. Within the [keyboard] section, find the following line:
       keyboard.dll=
  6. Depending on which keyboard layout you want to use, type KBDUSL.DLL or KBDUSR.DLL after the equal sign (=). When you are finished, the line should look like one of the following lines:
       keyboard.dll=kbdusl.dll

    -or- 

       keyboard.dll=kbdusr.dll
  7. Save the System.ini file.
  8. Quit and then restart Windows.

To Disable the Single-Handed Layout and Restore Your Original Windows Keyboard Layout

  1. Run Control Panel.
  2. In Control Panel, double-click the International icon. The International dialog box appears.
  3. In the Keyboard Layout box, click the keyboard layout you previously used.
  4. Click OK.

INSTALLING A DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUT FOR WINDOWS NT 3.1, 3.5, OR 3.51

To Install a U.S. Dvorak Keyboard Layout for Two-Handed Typists

  1. Run Control Panel.
  2. In Control Panel, double-click the International icon. The International dialog box appears.
  3. In the Keyboard Layout box, click US-Dvorak.
  4. Click OK.
To disable the two-handed Dvorak layout and restore your original layout, follow the steps in the preceding procedure. In step 3, choose your original layout.

To Install a U.S. Dvorak Keyboard Layout for Single-Handed Typists

NOTE: The Dvorak single-handed keyboard layouts support only Intel(R) processors. They do not support RISC processors at this time.
  1. If there is an Oemlay0.inf file in the Windows NT\System32 folder, rename it with a unique file name. For example, rename it Oemlay1.inf (if there is not already an Oemlay1.inf file in the System32 folder) with the following command:

    ren c:\winnt\system32\oemlay0.inf c:\winnt\system32\oemlay1.inf

    NOTE: When you rename an Oemlayn.inf file, choose the next unused number to ensure Windows NT reads all the Oemlayn.inf files correctly (where n is a number). For example, if you have three Oemlay.inf files (Oemlay0.inf, Oemlay1.inf, and Oemlay2.inf), rename Oemlay0.inf to Oemlay3.inf.
  2. If you received a disk with this Application Note, insert the disk in the appropriate floppy disk drive.

    If you downloaded this Application Note from an online service, skip to step 3. This procedure assumes that you have already downloaded and extracted the compressed file.
  3. Copy the Oemlay0.inf file from the GA0650 disk or the folder containing the file you downloaded from an online service to the Windows NT\System32 folder on the hard disk. You can do this by typing the following command at the MS-DOS command prompt and pressing ENTER:

    copy <drive>:\oemlay0.inf <destination>

    where <drive> is the floppy disk drive containing the GA0650 disk or the folder containing the file you downloaded from an online service and <destination> is the drive and folder for the Windows NT\System32 folder.

    For example, if the GA0650 disk is in drive A and your Windows NT folder is called WINNT and is on drive C, type the following command at the MS-DOS command prompt and press ENTER:

    copy a:\oemlay0.inf c:\winnt\system32\oemlay0.inf
  4. Run Control Panel.
  5. In Control Panel, double-click the International icon. The International dialog box appears.
  6. In the Keyboard Layout box, click US Left Single-Handed Layout or US Right Single-Handed Layout.
  7. Click OK. Windows NT prompts you to type the path to the Kbdrh.dll or Kbdlh.dll file.
  8. Type the path to the floppy disk drive that contains the GA0650 disk or to the folder containing the file you downloaded from an online service. For example, if you put the disk in drive A, you would type the following:

    a:
  9. Click Continue.

To Disable the Single-Handed Layout and Restore Your Original Windows NT Keyboard Layout

  1. Run Control Panel.
  2. In Control Panel, double-click the International icon. The International dialog box appears.
  3. In the Keyboard Layout box, click the keyboard layout you previously used.
  4. Click OK.

INSTALLING A DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUT FOR WINDOWS 95

To Install a U.S. Dvorak Keyboard Layout for Two-Handed Typists

NOTE: If you use MS-DOS-based programs with Windows 95, you must install the Dvorak layouts for MS-DOS in order to get Dvorak support for those programs. For instructions, see the previous section, "Installing a Dvorak Keyboard Layout for MS-DOS."
  1. In Control Panel, double-click the Keyboard icon. Or, in Control Panel, select the Keyboard icon with the ARROW keys and then press ENTER.
  2. Click the Language tab. Or, select the Language tab by pressing CTRL+TAB.
  3. Click the language to which you want to add the Dvorak layout, and then click Properties. Or, use the ARROW keys to select the language to which you want to add the Dvorak layout, press TAB until Properties is selected, and then press ENTER.
  4. In the Keyboard Layout box, click United States-Dvorak, and then click OK. Or, use the ARROW keys to select United States-Dvorak, and then press ENTER.
  5. Click OK. Or, press TAB until OK is selected, and then press ENTER.

To Install a U.S. Dvorak Keyboard Layout for Single-Handed Typists

  1. If you received a disk with this Application Note, insert the disk in the appropriate floppy disk drive.

    If you downloaded this Application Note from an online service, skip to step 2. This procedure assumes that you have already downloaded and extracted the compressed file.
  2. Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to copy the following files from the GA0650 disk or the folder containing the file you downloaded from an online service to an empty folder on the hard disk:

    Dvoraklr.inf
    Kbddvl.kbd
    Kbddvr.kbd
    Multilng.inf
  3. In Windows Explorer or My Computer, use the right mouse button to click the Dvoraklr.inf file you copied to the new folder in step 2, and then click Install on the menu that appears. Or, use the ARROW keys to select the Dvoraklr.inf file, and then press SHIFT+F10.
  4. In Control Panel, double-click the Keyboard icon. Or, in Control Panel, select the Keyboard icon with the ARROW keys and then press ENTER.
  5. Click the Language tab. Or, select the Language tab by pressing CTRL+TAB.
  6. Click the language to which you want to add the Dvorak layout, and then click Properties. Or, use the ARROW keys to select the language to which you want to add the Dvorak layout, press TAB until Properties is selected, and then press ENTER.
  7. In the Keyboard Layout box, click either United States-LH Dvorak for left-handed typists or United States-RH Dvorak for right- handed typists, and then click OK. Or, use the ARROW keys to select either United States-LH Dvorak for left-handed typists or United States-RH Dvorak for right-handed typists, and then press ENTER.
  8. Click OK. Or, press TAB until OK is selected, and then press ENTER.

To Disable the Dvorak Layout and Restore Your Original Windows 95 Keyboard Layout

  1. In Control Panel, double-click the Keyboard icon. Or, in Control Panel, select the Keyboard icon with the ARROW keys and then press ENTER.
  2. Click the Language tab. Or, select the Language tab by pressing CTRL+TAB.
  3. Click the language from which you want to remove the Dvorak layout, and then click Properties. Or, use the ARROW keys to select the language from which you want to remove the Dvorak layout, press TAB until Properties is selected, and then press ENTER.
  4. In the Keyboard Layout box, click the layout you previously used, and then click OK. Or, use the ARROW keys to select the layout you previously used, and then press ENTER.
  5. Click OK. Or, press TAB until OK is selected, and then press ENTER.

To Switch Between a Dvorak Layout and Another Layout

You may need to switch back and forth between the Dvorak layout and another layout. An easy way to do this is to set up the Dvorak layout as another language, and then switch back and forth between languages. To do so, follow these steps:
  1. Make sure the Dvorak layout you want to use is already installed and operational on your computer. Refer to the previous sections if you need instructions for installing the Dvorak layout.
  2. Follow the instructions in the "To disable the Dvorak layout and restore your original Windows 95 keyboard layout" section above to restore your original layout.
  3. In Control Panel, double-click the Keyboard icon. Or, in Control Panel, select the Keyboard icon with the ARROW keys and then press ENTER.
  4. Click the Language tab. Or, select the Language tab by pressing CTRL+TAB.
  5. Click Add, or press ALT+D.
  6. In the Language box, click a language other than the language you are currently using, and then click OK. Or, use the ARROW keys to select a language other than the language you are currently using, and then press ENTER.

    NOTE: It does not matter which language you choose, because the Dvorak layout will be applied to the language instead of the normal keyboard layout for that language. It is helpful to choose a language that has a different two-letter code to indicate which language is in use. We recommend choosing Danish because it uses "Da" as its two-letter code, which might be helpful in distinguishing it as the Dvorak layout.
  7. Click the language to which you want to add the Dvorak layout, and then click Properties. Or, use the ARROW keys to select the language to which you want to add the Dvorak layout, press TAB until Properties is selected, and then press ENTER.

    NOTE: Make sure to apply the Dvorak layout to the new language, and not to the "English (United States)" language.
  8. In the Keyboard Layout box, click United States-Dvorak for two- handed typists, United States-LH Dvorak for left-handed typists, or United States-RH Dvorak for right-handed typists, and then click OK. Or, use the ARROW keys to select United States-Dvorak for two-handed typists, United States-LH Dvorak for left-handed typists, or United States-RH Dvorak for right-handed typists, and then press ENTER.
  9. In the Switch Languages box, click the option you want to use to switch languages. Or, press TAB until the selection enters the Switch Languages box, and then use the ARROW keys to select the option you want.
  10. If you want a constant language indicator on the screen, click the Enable Indicator On Taskbar check box to select it. Or, press TAB until Enable Indicator On Taskbar is selected, and then press SPACE BAR to place a check mark in the check box.
  11. Click OK. Or, press TAB until OK is selected, and then press ENTER.

    NOTE: If you enabled the Enable Indicator On Taskbar option, you can click the two-letter language code on the taskbar and then click the language you want to use. You can also use the right mouse button to click the two-letter code and then click What's This for help or Properties to open Keyboard properties.

LEARNING TO USE THE DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUTS

The illustrations on the next page can help you learn a new keyboard layout. You may want to take a class or purchase stickers to put on your keys so that you can see the new layout as you type. For information about classes and stickers, contact:

KEYTIME
5508 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105-3631
voice 206-522-8973 (222-TYPE)
fax 206-524-2238
http://www.keytime.com

 STANDARD QWERTY KEYBOARD LAYOUT

 --------------------------------------------
 ~  !  @  #  $  %  ^  &  *  (  )  _  +
 `  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  0  -  =  bks
 --------------------------------------------
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 --------------------------------------------
                            <  >  ?
 shft  Z  X  C  V  B  N  M  ,  . /   shft
 --------------------------------------------


 TWO-HANDED DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUT
 --------------------------------------------
 ~  !  @  #  $  %  ^  &  *  (  )  {  }
 `  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  0  [  ]  bks
 --------------------------------------------
     "  <  >                       ?  +
 tb  '  ,  . P  Y  F  G  C  R  L  /  =  \ 
 --------------------------------------------
 cps                                _
 lck  A  O  E  U  I  D  H  T  N  S  -  entr
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       :
 shft  ;  Q  J  K  X  B  M  W  V  Z   shft
 --------------------------------------------


 RIGHT SINGLE-HANDED DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUT
 --------------------------------------------
 ~  !  @  #  $                 ?  {  }
 `  1  2  3  4  J  L  M  F  P  /  [  ]  bks
 --------------------------------------------
     %  ^     >                    :  +  |
 tb  5  6  Q  . O  R  S  U  Y  B  ;  =  \ 
 --------------------------------------------
 cps  &  *                          _
 lck  7  8  Z  A  E  H  T  D  C  K  -  entr
 --------------------------------------------
       (  )     <                 "
 shft  9  0  X  ,  I  N  W  V  G  '   shft
 --------------------------------------------


 LEFT SINGLE-HANDED DVORAK KEYBOARD LAYOUT
 --------------------------------------------
 ~  {  }  ?                 $  #  @  !
 `  [  ]  /  P  F  M  L  J  4  3  2  1  bks
 --------------------------------------------
     :                       >  ^  %  +  |
 tb  ;  Q  B  Y  U  R  S  O  . 6  5  =  \ 
 --------------------------------------------
 cps  _                          *  &
 lck  -  K  C  D  T  H  E  A  Z  8  7  entr
 --------------------------------------------
       "                    <  )  (
 shft  '  X  G  V  W  N  I  ,  0  9   shft
 --------------------------------------------

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The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

DownloadDownload the Ga0650.exe package now.

Release Date: June 29, 2000

For more information about how to download Microsoft support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 How to obtain Microsoft support files from online services

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