

    Over the decade that IBM compatible computers have been available, software 
has become easier and easier to use, and computers and disk drives have become 
much faster.  A tremendous BACKWARD step was taken however when IBM, copied by 
all keyboard manufacturers except two, changed the keyboard layout when the 
PC-AT was introduced.  User efficiency suffered greatly, and has never 
recovered.  

    If you, like most present day IBM-compatible users, have function keys on 
the the top row of the keyboard rather than on the left side, this text file 
was written for you.  A quantum leap in efficiency and enjoyment of using your 
computer awaits by getting a more sensibly designed keyboard made by Northgate 
or Focus, with function keys on the left and other nice features.  Most  
software applications you use, including 4FILES, will be much, much easier to 
use when you can do "the left hand sneak" -- keying any Function Key command
(including those augmented by the CTRL, ALT or Shift key) with a simple motion 
of one hand.

    Most software is still designed with left hand function keys in mind.  Not 
only will the ultimate efficiency of such programs cut in, but often the layout 
of the mapping of the function keys to their functions in a program will make 
more sense.  For example, F3 might mark a file and F4 unmark it.  When function 
keys are located on the top row of the keyboard, these are in separate 
three-key groupings.  With left hand function keys however, the keys are beside 
each other in a pair (odd keys 1-9 are in a vertical row, and to its right 
the even keys 2-10 are in a second vertical row.)  With left hand keys there is 
sometimes can also be a proximal as well as functional relationship between, 
say, F3 and F5.  A functional relationship between these keys is harder to 
remember if the function keys are on the top row.

    Why am I including an extra file about keyboards?  Because I am a true 
believer in left hand function keys, because many newer computer users don't 
realise their virtue or don't even know they exist, and because I want to help 
you by making your work easier.  This is very much in the spirit of my 4FILES 
program, which has been carefully designed to make the keyboard interface fit 
the tasks of file management in I feel is the best possible way.  You will not 
realize the maximum benefits of many programs you use or try, including 
4FILES, until you try them with an optimized keyboard layout.

    Here are model numbers and phone numbers for recommended keyboards.  I am 
also looking into becoming a dealer for both brands, and will offer all 
products at the best possible price (while continuing to provide phone numbers 
for competitors -- I'm not doing this to make a lot of money, but to encourage 
folks to make the most efficient use of 4FILES).

    Northgate Computer Products:  1-800-526-2446, ask for keyboard sales.

        Models:  102 

                 Ultra-T (two keypads, one with the inverted-T arrow key
                 layout & one with the diamond layout)

                 Ultra-F (two keypads, both with the diamond arrow layout).

                 My personal keyboard is an Ultra-F.  Both will work on any
                 IBM computer from PC to 486.  The left CTRL, ALT & Shift
                 keys may be easily swapped around with a hardware setting and
                 a key removal tool provided.  Keyboard speed can be quickly
                 set to any of twelve diffent rates by using a special key
                 in combination with one of the twelve function keys.

    Focus Electronic Corp: 1-800-826-6880

        Models:  FK 5001

                 FK 9000 Key-Pro  (This has a built-in calculator, independent
                 of other keyboard functions.)


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