LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Dvorak: Dvorak Keyboard
built 816 days ago
The Dvorak layout was intended for the English language. In other European languages, letter frequencies, letter sequences, and digraphs, differ from English. Also, some languages have letters that do not occur in English. For non-English use, these differences lessen the advantages of the original Dvorak keyboard. However, the Dvorak principles have been applied to the design of keyboards for these other languages.
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Despite its increased efficiency, the Dvorak has not been adopted as a standard keyboard because initial cost can be high for retraining typists. With modern computers... keyboard conversion is much easier than it was in Dvorak's day, and retraining costs can be eliminated if touch typing is taught on the Dvorak keyboard from the beginning.
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At least in Windows 95, the keyboard layout is a per-user setting, so you can set it for yourself and non-Dvorak users can still use Qwerty. If you don't utilize separate user accounts you'll need to set it manually when you begin and end using the computer. If you do, at least Win95 freaks out when you log out and you can't type in the login box anymore. Sheesh. If you encounter this, reboot instead of logging out. Or just use Linux instead.;)
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The best way to learn Dvorak is to use it. DO NOT switch back and forth between QWERTY and Dvorak for the first few weeks, or try to keep it to a minimum, for it will just confuse you. Most system administrators are more than willing to change your keyboard layout to dvorak, if you don’t have the permissions to do so. The first few days will be a struggle, but after 3-4 hours of typing, you’ll be making less and less mistakes. Also, a useful tool for the first few hours is a printable dvorak keyboard that you can fold and put up as a tent on you desk for the first few hours. If you’re looking for a formal way to learn Dvorak, there are two excellent web based tutors out there, DVzine , and ABCD, A Basic Course in Dvorak . If you would rather have a tutor that is local/software based, KDE’s KTouch and Klavaro for GNOME.
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Most keyboards which offer the Dvorak layout are switchable...that is they can switch back and forth between QWERTY and Dvorak with a single keystroke or combination of keys. ErgoCanada.com offers several keyboards which support the Dvorak layout including the entry level Dvortyboards (Standard and Ergonomic) and the premier level TypeMatrix EZ-Reach, Kinesis contoured line of keyboards (Classic and Professional). The Fingerworks TouchStream LP Zero Force keyboard is switchable, but does not offer a dual-legended option - only the traditional QWERTY legends or DVORAK legends (link to Fingerworks web site).
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The biggest disadvantage... is the necessity to re-train in Dvorak layout if you are a trained QWERTY typist. At first, your speed could be even lower than on QWERTY, however, it’s a matter of time. The rest depends on you, your ambition and understanding of healthy keyboarding.
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Dvorak Keyboard