Keyboards stuck in the age of NumLock; defunct keys and odd commands still bedevil today's PC user

Article Abstract:

Computer keyboards are one part of the PC revolution that has changed slowly. Since users are accustomed to the Qwerty layout, what some see as improvements, others bewail. The Dvorak keyboard layout has gained some acceptance, but only the fastest typists see gains of 6% to 10% in words per minute tests. Countries like Japan and China have adapted the 101-key standard. The Print Scrn, Scroll Lock, and Pause keys are command keys from mainframe days. The present keyboard layout will probably be unchanged until the advent of effective voice-recognition software.

Standard Keyboards, Design and construction, Technology overview, Keyboards (Electronics), Keyboards (Computers), Keyboard

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Quirky PC games try to find market niche in a virtual pet cemetery

Article Abstract:

Lava Mind (San Francisco), a maker of CD-ROM games for PCs, is using its "Virtual Pet Cemetary" Web site as a kind of roadside attraction to draw in customers. Roughly a million visitors visit the Web site each year to read eulogies to departed pets. The site also sells Lava Mind's business simulation software games, Gazillionaire and Zapitalism. Sales via the Web have averaged about $6,000 per month. Industry analysts predict that more and more small software developers will market their products on the Web.

Comment:

Using its "Virtual Pet Cemetary" Web site as a kind of roadside attraction to draw in customers

Marketing procedures, New Electronic Marketing, Channels of Distribution, Computer games, Article, Lava Mind, Gazillionaire, Zapitalism

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Treading on the mouse's heels: the oh-so-subtle touch pad

Article Abstract:

The development of the touch pad is an ergonomically sound alternative to the mouse. Developed by Cirque Corp., the touch pad requires subtle light movements in order to operate. Instead of using your whole hand and wrist to make it function, you need only the gentle touch of your fingertip.

Product information, Display Controls NEC, Usage, Display devices (Electronics), Technology application, Product application, Input devices (Computers), Mouse devices (Computers), Mice (Computer peripherals), Trackpad, Touchpads, Cirque Corp., Cirque Touch'n'Tap (Trackpad)

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