-Brading Software Message Board
+--Forum: The Lounge (off-topic)
+---Topic: Windows Issue:Left-Handed; Keyboard Shortcuts started by TokyoElbow
Posted by: Elbow on Aug. 23 2002,06:25
Windows Issue XP
Allo,
This has only just started to bother me as I have had to do a LOT of tag corrections, here goes:
This is off topic but on topic if you are a Left-Handed mouse user like me when using MP3/Ts.
I was wondering if any of you expert PC Windows wizards out there would know if its possible to change the keyboard shortcuts for cut , paste , copy?
As a left hander its a pain in the neck when I have to take my hand off the mouse every time I want to use the Control + the shortcut keys.
I would like to be able to use my right hand and use for example the 'windows ' key plus '? . ' as these keys are next to each other. And then I can still use my left hand to navigate around.
Any ideas ?
Many thanks in advance.
Posted by: Disposable Hero on Aug. 23 2002,09:52
Dunno about changing the Windows shortcuts - probably need a 3rd party utility for that. Perhaps Magnus would consider supporting the old DOS shortcut keys, which are:
cut: CTRL-DELETE
copy: CTRL-INSERT
paste: SHIFT-INSERT
MS changed the keys as part of some usability half-measure. Some programs (I am surprised by how many) still support the DOS shortcuts. MP3TS seems only to support the DOS paste shortcut currently. I agree fully that the Windows default can be a PITA.
Update - I found this thing:
< http://rockwelj.freewebsites.com/hkconintro.html >
It has the ability to let you 'remap' certain shortcuts. I tried it and managed to turn my HOME and END buttons into COPY and PASTE, respectively. It's free, but they do have a PayPal button set up for those who would like to support it.
Posted by: Magnus Brading on Aug. 23 2002,15:37
Also, you might consider getting a computer mouse with programmable buttons. All recent Microsoft mice (is that the correct plural form for the computer kind of mouse too btw?) have this. Mine has two extra buttons on the side, and you can program them to be used for ctrl+c and ctrl+v, respectively. Then you won't have to use any other hand than the mouse hand at all.
Posted by: Elbow on Aug. 23 2002,19:17
---------------------QUOTE BEGIN-------------------
Also, you might consider getting a computer mouse with programmable buttons. All recent Microsoft mice (is that the correct plural form for the computer kind of mouse too btw?) have this.
---------------------QUOTE-------------------
I did have a mouse with 2 side buttons (Microsoft inteli-mouse I think).
But it got damaged and I got another one and didnt think about the 2 side buttons (it was cheaper too!
.Id forgotten all about that.
Also I had those side buttons set to cut and paste
.I'll give that software a try Disposable.
Cheers
PS yes Magnus, it is 'mice' but octopus is octopi (maybe)
Posted by: Skirge01 on Aug. 26 2002,03:36
I must be in a really odd mood, since this post intrigued me for several reasons.
Like TokyoElbow, I'm left-handed. Living in a right-handed world, I can use the mouse on either side, though. Regardless of that, at home, I have my mouse on the left side of my keyboard. I'm confused as to why you need to take your hand off the mouse in order to hit CTRL-C or CTRL-V.
My right hand is quite capable of pressing those combinations while my left hand is still on the mouse. I do this every day both at work and at home. You aren't trying to use the CTRL key on the right-hand side of the keyboard, are you?
What am I misunderstanding, TokyoElbow?
George
Posted by: Elbow on Aug. 30 2002,05:54
Hi,
No Im not trying to use the right hand Control Button!!
My hands are big but not that big
Im just not used to crossing my hand over to the other side of the keyboard.
When I reach over with my right hand my fingers are obscuring my vision. I cant see the keys!
Of course over time Ive got used to this but If I can use another key on the right hand side of the keyboard it would speed up production a bit.
So your another lefty?
We got to stick together
Im thinking about getting a left handed keyboard, and trackball mouse (not the ones with the ball in the middle).
Everything in my house is lefty so I need to get my PC stuff the same way.
Posted by: Magnus Brading on Aug. 30 2002,15:08
Actually, I'm not right handed either. I use my left hand for certain things (like e.g. writing), and my right hand for other things. For some things I can use either hand. That's much more efficient than you people who have decided on one hand in advance.
Throw any mouse my way and I'll tame it. 
Posted by: Skirge01 on Nov. 06 2002,21:52
I'm still seriously upset that the big name manufacturers are now going ergonomic and completely forgetting that there are a large number of left-handed people in the world. I've seen the left-handed one and I don't really care for them. They don't have enough features. I'm still using an old Kensington Thinking Mouse that has four programmable buttons and is perfectly symmetrical.
I'd love to get a cordless, optical mouse, but I just doubt it's going to be possible. Ahh well...
George
end