Remapping Keyboard Layout in Windows

[PamJ]

Hi, all!  I hope everyone is doing well.

I have a new keyboard and would like to remap a few of the keys to where they are on my old keyboard.  Although the basic layout of the alphanumeric keys, shift, etc., are the same, a couple of the others I use frequently are in completely different locations between the two keyboards.  (These are not your ordinary keyboards, but ones that allow a lot of variations in the physical setup to help with those of us who type for a living!)

As I am only semi-computer savvy, I want a program that helps me do this rather than trying to mess with any codes or anything.  I've found a few free ones, but thought I'd ask here to see if anyone knows of a good one, or ones to stay away from.  (I'm always leery of downloading things from places I've never used before.)

Thanks!!



Pam

[Lisandro]

I never did this, but maybe this help:
http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/remap-keyboard.htm
http://www.freewareweb.com/cgi-bin/archive.cgi?ID=1698

And, of course, Google

[bob3160]

The best advice I can give you is to learn the new keyboard.
Software remapping of your keyboard has a habit of getting screwed up.
Unless you enjoy doing it over and over again

[PamJ]

I know, I should just learn the new keyboard, but I'm just getting so tired of hitting the wrong keys and bouncing all over my document or deleting something I didn't mean to.  (The delete key is top right instead of bottom side right right.  The delete key is above the backspace key, when it wasn't before.  The pg up/pg down keys are where the backspace key was.)  My fingers just automatically go to certain places on the keyboard very fast and it's frustrating me. LOL  I know, I have no patience. 

Thanks for the help.  I'll keep trying to adjust, while in the meantime looking at mapping programs.  If I don't get used to it soon, I'll look into remapping a couple keys.

Thanks!

Pam

[DavidR]

The delete key has always been in the same place in a standard windows qwerty 102, 104/105 keyboards, that is why this standardisation was introduced, so it looks like you weren't using a standard keyboard before.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout

http://www.seoconsultants.com/windows/keyboard/

http://www.pcguide.com/ref/kb/layout/std.htm

[PamJ]

Hi, DavidR,

No, I don't have a regular keyboard, exactly.

I've been using this one for years (without the wrist supports):

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/maxim-usb-profile-720x440.jpg

And recently switched to this one by the same company. Without the pivot attachment, I can get up to 20 inches of separation between the two split keyboard sections.  I use it with the attachment in the first picture, but the second one shows the keys better.

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo-v3-10-blk_690x306.jpg
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/freestyle-solo_690x375.jpg 

I also have a keyboard tray that tilts backward and forward, and can be raised/lowered to four different positions.

I have typed for years in my own business and see a chiro on a regular basis because of shoulder/arm/wrist issues. These keyboards, tray, etc., are a must so I can keep doing what I do!

Now all I need is a keyboard stand that I can use standing up!  Chiro just said I need to "not stay on my butt" so much because of the tightness that's returning to a herniated disc area!  LOL

Pam

[DavidR]

Well the only real option it to try and get the same keyboard as you had before, try ebay, etc. if it is no longer manufactured.

I have recently paid over £300 for a new computer chair as I have a bad back, two crushed vertebra many, many, years ago parachuting and I suffer a lot if I don't have good support. I could easily have paid more, but I couldn't justify the expense even though this chair is much better and also much more expensive than any I have used before.

This chair also has armrests, something I always left off before, these have adjustable hight which means I can get closer to the computer table. I am able to keep my elbows on the arm rest even when using the mouse and that helps with the shoulder issue. I also use a wheat bag for a wrist rest when using the mouse which helps also.

[PamJ]

Hi, DavidR,

The old keyboard still works (and I have a backup for it, too, that I bought inexpensively off eBay last year!).  I just like the ability of this other one where you can spread it out so much.  In fact, I have BOTH of them hooked up at the same time right now since I can't make up my mind.  Guess I just want to combine the two of them into one!!

A good chair can make such a difference, but boy can they be expensive! Armrests are nice, but I usually take mine off, too, because I can't type with them on even if they're adjustable!  At one time, this company that makes the keyboards I have actually had a setup where you could attached each side of a split keyboard to the arms of a chair they also sold.  It was rather expensive and they don't sell it any longer.

Thanks!

Pam