The proper way to
type, that is enter
data into a
computer. This
method is
characterised by the
home row of keys,
A S D F for the left hand and
J K L ; for the right hand. From these positions, the fingers move to other
keys to type
words and
sentences. Once these
hand positions are learned it becomes extremely
easy to type
involved lengthy statements (such as
write ups) without looking at the
keyboard at all. For
hackers and
geeks, this method becomes a way of life, and they begin to forget even the
letters which they are typing and think of only the
words, and for the true
gurus, only the
phrases. A convenient
analogy is learning another
language. When you first learn the language, each word is a struggle. Later,
phrases come more easily but it is still a
conscious process. Finally, you become
fluent and can speak at length with ease. When reading a continuous stream of
text, such as in
IRC or via an
instant messenger, the easiest way to identify a
touch-typer is when they fall off the home keys. Usually it happens when they are not
focusing on their typing, and the fingers will find their way one
column over thus causing the typing to become
incomprehensible except to another
touch-typer. Its almost impossible to do this on
command.
Contrast:
hunt and peck