'Insert' key blues

[Alex]

Hello,

here's the problem: when I use various word processing programs, lots of
times (enough to annoy me) the 'insert' key is somehow activated, thus
applying the dreadful 'overwrite' method of typing/editing. Is there a way
to permanently disable the 'insert' key right from boot-up, not allowing to
activate itself later on?

Thanks

 

[Mike Hall]

You have a problem faced by many two fingered typists.. how to control the
the three unused fingers of the left and specifically right hand while
typing with index fingers only?. Two ways to fix your problem.. learn how to
type correctly (this will ensure that hand positioning on the keyboard is
correct).. or alternatively, you can physically remove the key from your
keyboard..

 

[Alex]

Thanks for the spirited reply, but that's not the problem. Sometimes, yes, I
just press the 'Ins' key without noticing, but sometimes I don't. And these
applications start-up with 'overwrite' mode on whenever they feel like it.
Surprised you didn't suggest cutting extra fingers off...

 

[GSV Three Minds in a Can]

Hello,

here's the problem: when I use various word processing programs, lots of
times (enough to annoy me) the 'insert' key is somehow activated, thus
applying the dreadful 'overwrite' method of typing/editing. Is there a way
to permanently disable the 'insert' key right from boot-up, not allowing to
activate itself later on?

I don't believe this would do what you want - most programs keep track
of their insert/over-write status themselves (the insert key just
toggles it). In fact in this newsreader I currently have two windows
open - one is in 'insert' mode and one is in 'over-write'. 8>. 'Insert'
is just a key (like 'A'), not a system-wide toggle-state like 'shift' or
'numlock'.

Look to your word processing programs for how to set their default, and
whether you can turn off 'over-write' there. If you superglue the key,
you'll just find yourself =stuck= in over-write, with no way to switch
back. 8<.

 

[Carolyn]

Thanks for the spirited reply, but that's not the problem. Sometimes, yes, I
just press the 'Ins' key without noticing, but sometimes I don't. And these
applications start-up with 'overwrite' mode on whenever they feel like it.
Surprised you didn't suggest cutting extra fingers off...

I bought my mother an MSN web TV console and every so often she sends me an
email that says something like,
"soethng s rong wth me emle it kps tuypgin ovr the leters"
One of them was signed Gog (instead of mom). After I stop laughing, I call
her and remind her to hit the insert key to make it stop. I had the feeling
that she thought her system was possessed the first time that this happened.
)
Carolyn

 

[Mike Hall]

Alex, it should be possible in some of these applications to set preferences
so that insert is the default.. I would never advocate cutting fingers off
as when the index fingers become tired, it is good to have backup.. lol