(This package is to be used with the Electric Dvorak package, version 1.0. Sorry, but it’s useless with anything else! This update replaces the old updates 1, 2, and 3, which wouldn’t work properly with some programs. If you’re not sure whether to use this update or not, please read the section “What kind of shortcuts to use?” below.)
For those who want to have Dvorak-arranged Command-key shortcuts, you may now use the “Keyboard Shortcuts” document to do so. Have it in the System Folder when you start up your computer, and it will make the Command-key shortcuts use the same keyboard layout as normal typing uses (whether that’s QWERTY or Dvorak). It won’t affect QWERTY users, but when a non-QWERTY keyboard is used (like Electric Dvorak) key shortcuts typed with the Command key will use the non-QWERTY layout.
It needs to go into the System Folder so that it will change the System to work properly with some programs that use three-key combinations (like Command-Shift-C, for example). If you leave it out of the System Folder, you’ll have QWERTY-arranged Command-key shortcuts, which some people may prefer. (There’s no way to switch without restarting your computer.)
Unfortunately, some programs may not understand Dvorak keyboard shortcuts. One of the most likely places to cause confusion is the shortcut to stop printing or another long action, Command-period. If that doesn’t work when you think it should, a program may be checking the physical (QWERTY) period key (the Dvorak V), instead of the Dvorak period.
One kind of program that is likely not to understand Dvorak keyboard shortcuts is a “macro” utility, which lets you abbreviate a series of keystrokes or other actions with a single key combination. Some macro utilities will label the keys (in the on-screen display) with their QWERTY labels, but still understand the shortcuts. Others may become confused about just which key you mean, and may do unpredictable things.
If you plan to use a macro utility along with Dvorak keyboard shortcuts, I recommend that you test several macros carefully to make sure that nothing unexpected happens. I’m sorry to say that, of course, I can’t be responsible for any problems you may have with using this—but, please, let me know what bugs you find, so that I can try to fix them!
If you haven’t decided whether to use QWERTY or Dvorak for your keyboard shortcuts, consider that many shortcuts, especially the common Z, X, C, and V, are chosen for convenience on the QWERTY layout. Also, “Keyboard Shortcuts” may not work properly with some software, future hardware, or keyboard layouts other than US QWERTY and Dvorak. (But, please, let me know if you find any bugs!) Nevertheless, if you have rearranged your keytops to Dvorak, it may be most convenient for you to use Dvorak for keyboard shortcuts, too.
By the end of July (I hope!) I will have produced a completely new version of Electric Dvorak, with several new features. And, best of all, it will still be free! If you’ve sent me your address, I’ll try to let you know when it’s out. Watch for it wherever you find shareware.
