4 Keywords: Autocorrect, Autotext, Speed Typing, Spelling

This is a function of some text based programs such as MS Word. Auto Correct works to correct common spelling mistakes and in Vista it is found under the Office button and Word Options then Proofing. For example, if I write “agian”, it is automatically corrected to read “again”. Auto text works in the same way – it replaces certain combinations of text with different text. You could set this up to replace “ys” with “yours sincerely”. This saves on typing, and is useful for common phrases.

Autotext (or Auto Correct) guide with examples from AbilityNet in Word 2003 (download .pdf)

Phrase Express

I have downloaded a free program called “Phrase Express” that allows auto text to work throughout all of windows, not just Word. It works when I am browsing the internet or sending emails and when I am working in Moodle as can be seen from my Flash animation.  This download works with keyboard access in Internet Explorer and is a walk through of using Phrase Express - adding a phrase and then using the short cut to insert text into a text editor form.  

My favourite hotkey is that I have changed the hotkey for “Paste” from Ctrl + V to Ctrl + | (the key to the left of Z on my keyboard) This is because I do a lot of copying and pasting, and my hands were uncomfortably stretched reaching from the Ctrl key to the V key. Unfortunately the program is now prompting me to register it for commercial use because I have been using so many short cuts!

Another good shortkey I have used is Shift +H to get to hotmail, Shift and G to get to gmail etc. I set these hotkeys up myself in phrase express.