Boost Productivity With The Right Keyboard Layout

Boost Productivity With The Right Keyboard Layout IT For Beginners: How To Switch Your Keyboard To QWERTY? ChaptersHow To Recognise A QWERTY KeyboardWhy Does The Keyboard Layout Matter?The Reason QWERTY Was Invented?How To Switch Your Keyboard To QWERTY In Windows?How To Switch Your Keyboard To QWERTY On MAC?How To Switch Your Keyboard Layout  To QWERTY On A Smart Phone?You may not realise that the humble keyboard that we all type on every day has a history and isn't the same for everyone. Keyboard layouts are designed to make it easier and more efficient for the computer user to input their text and prompts. This efficiency is based on the language that they are typing. But with so many different languages worldwide, computer keyboards had to adapt too.IT for beginners is essential because it allows you to learn about the differences between technology and for you to know the things that you need to learn. For example, the keyboard that you are using if you have a keyboard that has been made in the UK is called a QWERTY keyboard. Don't worry I won't ask you to repeat it, but it is somet hing that you should learn to recognise.You should also know that there are many different keyboard layouts around the world. Of which QWERTY is just one. While QWERTY is one of the most popular layouts, there are also popular layouts such as:AZERTY: The most distinctive difference the number keys appear on the letter keys and are activated with the shift key. Used commonly in French-speaking countries.QWERTZ: The most distinctive difference is some keys have been replaced by characters such as  Ã„, Ö, ß. Used commonly in some part of eastern Europe Like Switzerland and GermanyQÃœERTY: The most distinctive difference is W is not on the keyboard at and letters are moved around. Used commonly in countries like Iran and TurkeyÄWERTY: The most distinctive difference is C, Q, V, and X  are not available on the keyboard. Used commonly in countries like Turkmenistan and central AsiaThese layouts are all quite similar to QWERTY with minor changes such as changes in key positions, added special characters and of course some missing keys. However, when you are used to your layout, these minor changes can cause a big headache.Take a screenshot of the problem and ask for help. Photo Source: Unsplashlanguage.’Next, Go to ‘Region language.’ click English in the list of languages to open its menu.You should see the option to add a keyboard here. Make sure you click it and check that it is installed.Exiting this area, click the language again and this time activate the ‘set as default’ option. The last step is to restart your machine, and your keyboard layout should be back to QWERTY.* Please note that this was for windows 10 OS, The name or placements of things may be slightly different depending on the version of your software.How To Switch Your Keyboard To QWERTY On MAC?Click on the Apple icon. Located in the top left of the screenScroll to and click system preferences in the menu list.When the box opens, go to the keyboard optionYou will now see 4 options; keyboard, text, shortcuts and input sourcesGo to Input sourcesClick the + button and add the keyboard layout that you want.QWERTY will be the keyboard for the UK.Close the box, and your Keyboard layout should have appropriately updated.Changing the layout on an Apple device. Photo Source: UnsplashHow To Switch Your Keyboard Layout  To QWERTY On A Smart Phone?In the past, it didn't matter much about what layouts you had on your phone. But as technology gets smarter, and tech gets smaller. It is now essential to have a good keyboard for your phone and tablet devices.This allows you to work on the go, reply to emails even edit reports. The portability of the smartphone means that you don't just want to optimise your pc for the keyboard layout, but you want to optimise your phone as well.Keyboard Layout On An Iphone And IpadChanging the layout on an Apple device is relatively easy, keep in mind that the operating system version of your device may change the way that this is done. Foll ow these steps:Go to your setting app. (Black and grey bike wheel  icon)Scroll down and go to the general tab.Now scroll down to reach the ‘keyboard’ section. Now tap the keyboard menu itemYou will see the list of installed Keyboards on your device.Click your current setting which shows as a language. In this case, it should be English.Click on to the language to open up your keyboard options.You will now see some keyboard layoutsSelect QWERTYExit and your keyboard will be updatedKeyboard Layout On AndroidOn Android there are many different versions available from kit kat to Oreo, each has a slightly different approach to changing your keyboard, but these steps should be similar enough for you to find your way.Go to  the settings area (gear icon)Scroll down to the systems area (icon of a circle with an ‘i’ inside).Go to the Languages and input area. (The icon is a circle with horizontal and vertical lines going through it. )Now the second entry is keyboards, click virtual keyboard.You will see the active keyboardsYou can click one of the options, and you will be able to select QWERTY from thereYou can also click the + symbol and activate a new keyboard.Writing on digital devices is only made possible because of keyboards, having them set up correctly and optimised for your use will make your life much more comfortable and help to you achieve whatever outputs you have in mind. If you found this useful, why not check out our blog on Learning to use your PC.