This is a release version of the Dvorak (of course) keyboard layout I’ve used for the last year. I’ve been quite attached to the Dvorak layout since three weeks or so after I began using Electric Dvorak in late 1988, and I created this layout in late 1991 to make finding secondary (“option”) characters easier. (The version of Electric Dvorak I was using was, for obvious and valid reasons, mostly true to Apple’s scheme in regard to which characters share keys with which other characters. Many users may prefer the Apple-based arrangement, but Apple’s idea of logical character arrangement and mine are significantly different. I too often had had trouble finding less-frequently-used characters; therefore, when the mood struck, I played with my computer long enough to produce an alternate Dvorak layout. The result is likely suitable for any Roman-script (Romance or Germanic) language.)
Installation:
To install (in System 7), simply drag the layout file to the System suitcase or the closed system folder. Use command-option-space to scroll through installed keyboard layouts. To remove a keyboard layout (or script, font, or sound), simply open the System suitcase and drag the file out.
Keyboard Menu:
I’ve found the optional keyboard menu to be extremely useful. Users coming to a computer will know which layout is in use and will have an obvious and simple way to switch to another, usually preventing the confusion of someone beginning to type on the wrong layout. Making this menu visible is quite easy and simple. Make a backup copy of the System suitcase for safety if possible, then open the System suitcase with a resource editor (ResEdit, for example). The following instructions are for using ResEdit (≥2.1.1), but other resource editors should be similar. There will be a window showing all the resource types in the System suitcase in alphanumeric order. Scroll to and double-click on “itlc”, and another window will appear containing all the resources of type “itlc”. Double-click on “0”, and an editing window will appear. Scroll to “Always show keybd. icon” and click on “1” to turn that option on. Quit in the usual way, save changes, restart and it’s done; there will be a keyboard icon and menu in the menubar (whenever space allows) between the application and balloon help icons. (Be absolutely certain that no other changes are made; if other changes may have been made, simply close all the windows without saving changes and start again.)
Error reports:
My knowledge of typography is not full, so I’m quite sure this layout is imperfect. Please let me know of any problems encountered with the actual character arrangement, including (but not limited to) misplacements due to my ignorance of what some of the characters are or how they were derived. Other suggestions and all corrections are, of course, also appreciated.
Distribution:
Please encourage the use of the Dvorak layout whenever and wherever you will. This one may be freely distributed, provided this document is distributed along with it. Modified versions may also be freely distributed, provided the “vers” resources (used in “Get Info” boxes) are removed or replaced, and a notation expressing that the version is modified is included as well as this document. (For permission to distribute without this document, contact the author.) I retain copyright of “Aaron’s Dvorak”, and permission must be obtained from the copyright holder for any uses not specifically authorized. Permission must be obtained from the author for any for-profit uses.
Other market-specific or specialized versions will likely be produced soon, and may be produced at a user’s request.
addresses:
Matthew Lasater
voice: US 713.782.1808
(This information will change soon, but updated address information will be included in the next release.)
