We were given the new notes on the topic and started off by discussing the various devices that can be used on computers today thanks to the standardization of the interfaces the various manufactures. We then discussed the various aspects of keyboards and learned how we could make an educated guess of which would be best to suit our needs. On the subject of keyboards we agreed on the layout, hotkeys, number of keys, interface, durability/robustness, physical size, accuracy and price were all important contributing factors that you would need to consider when buying a keyboard. We also reviewed the blog from last week and then discussed the fastest method of typing/texting. We then learned that the keys used most often are positioned on the left hand side of the keyboard in the layout design called ‘QWERTY’ which was created to work with typewriters as only one arm of the old machine could be operational at the one time so a way was made to slow typists down so they would not jam the machine. This layout is not the only one available but it is the one we are used to although not the fastest. For notes on keyboards go to page 77 and 78 of the new notes. Keyboards work by a matrix of wires (a criss-cross pattern) which work by using coordinates to define which key is what. We discussed what type of keyboards are available to buy like; ultra small, infrared, LED buttons, left or right handed or hand typing and virtual keyboards. You can also get modified keyboards. How a keyboard works on page 78. Additionally we started on scanners and discussed how they work. Notes on this part are on page 80.