Android platform is developing by leaps and bounds, but some nuances of the operating system still remain unclear. For example, Android still does not have a built-in spell checker, which is sorely lacking for many smartphone and tablet users who write a lot of text.

By default, Android 4.4 KitKat, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow completely lack spelling and spelling capabilities. It is worth noting that iOS has such capabilities, but support for the Russian language is so poor that checking spelling in the Apple mobile platform is practically of no use, since in Cupertino they apparently do not even suspect the existence of cases, declensions and other features, characteristic of the Russian language.

If you take a closer look at the situation with spell checking in Android, then a solution to this problem exists, and from Google. To activate the word error correction system you will need to download it from the app store Google Play program called .

After installing it on a smartphone or tablet under Android control need to go to "Settings", then almost at the very bottom of the list select "Language and input", and a new item called "Spelling". That's what we need.

By opening this section, you can find one single verification method, the capabilities of which are sufficient for most people. We switch the toggle switch to the “On” position and launch some application. Spell checking will work in Russian, English and other languages ​​that are installed in the system by default.

Having written several words with errors and missing letters, tap once (lightly press) on the highlighted word and see a list of options for correction. To replace an incorrect word with a correct one, just select the correct option from the list and tap on it again.

Google's spelling system has three main disadvantages. The first is that spell check does not store words on the user's device, so it can only work when connected to the Internet. The second minus is more significant since Google's spelling still does not reach the level of the ORFO system for Windows and Mac, but it is significantly superior to that of iOS.

The last disadvantage is that not everyone supports third party applications. Most likely, the problem is in the “crooked” hands of software developers, since in most programs from Google Play the spell check system works correctly.

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It was noted that keyboard trainers help speed up text entry and, accordingly, save significant time. One more aspect needs to be taken into account: “communication” with the computer is possible thanks to hot keys, which, in fact, are designed to increase performance.

However, not every sequence of commands is executed with one click, and not every command has hot keys. This guide includes programs that, in general, can be described as hotkey managers, although their capabilities are much broader. Software in this category helps automate repetitive actions, different ways unify the presses of keyboard buttons or other input devices. In addition, separate programs will help solve problems that arise when changing layouts and correct typical typos.

During the review, special attention was paid to the following main functions:

• Setting up hot keys and expanding standard system keyboard capabilities
• Automatic correction of input errors, including when changing layouts
• Recording macros and scripts
• Pasting text from the Clipboard, working with templates, supported text formats

AutoHotkey

The AutoHotkey utility is designed for writing scripts that solve problems such as:

• Creating and reassigning hotkeys for input devices (mouse, keyboard or joystick)
• Creating abbreviations (abbreviations) for subsequent autocompletion
• Building input forms, menus, user interfaces

Scripts are compiled manually; there are no tools for recording them in graphical mode, although the program contains a utility for determining mouse coordinates, the position of the active window (Window Spy) and a script converter to an EXE file (Ahk2Exe).

Information for learning the scripting language is contained in, there is also an unofficial Russian translation of expressions, functions, commands, etc. The section contains all the necessary information that will help at the initial stage of getting to know AutoHotkey.

The simplest example of an AutoHotkey script is to launch an application using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + C: ^!c::Run calc.exe

Where "!" - this is Alt, "^" is Control, "c" is the C key. The script can be created on the Desktop (“Create → AutoHotkey Script” in the context menu) and edited in any editor. The script takes effect after running the file.

Thanks to AutoHotkey scripts, you can not only launch programs or open documents, but also transfer them to active window keystrokes and clicks, managing windows, operating data (for example, creating and deleting files, Registry entries), program shells, dialogs, buttons that require user participation. Theoretically, any error, intentional or accidental, can lead to unpredictable consequences, including data loss. However, such functionality will only be of interest to a fairly experienced user.

Scripts support environment variables; these tools can be used to use the clipboard. As proof, there are ready-made scripts and programs posted on the forum. Other examples are published in the section.

Summary. A powerful tool for automation, applicable both for implementing simple tasks (reassigning hotkeys, working with text, templates) and quite complex ones (automation, creating shells). But in the context of the review, the important thing is that AutoHotkey really expands the capabilities of the keyboard and other devices.

[+] Ample opportunities for writing scripts
[+] Documentation, examples available
[+] Support various devices for input
[−] Requires learning syntax to create scripts

Punto Switcher

Punto Switcher analyzes and corrects errors that are made “automatically” and regularly take time to correct: accidentally pressed Caps Lock, incorrect layout, two capital letters at the beginning of a word and similar cases.

Two layout languages ​​are supported - Russian and English. Punto Switcher “randomly recognizes” other languages, but we cannot talk about full-fledged work with alternative layouts. According to the developers, they have such plans.

Corrections are made automatically or manually using hotkeys. Combinations are not as widely represented as in other keyboard managers. They relate to the correction of the above errors, general settings programs. For example, you can enable or disable options for automatically correcting abbreviations, capital letters, and accidental keystrokes. Punto Switcher monitors the Clipboard, allowing you to convert, transliterate or spell check text. That is, it is clear that there is no way to assign a combination for launching applications or system commands.

The program does not cause conflicts with other applications, but in practice it can slow down input text fields or etc. In this case, you can create a list of exception applications, add switching rules, and deactivate auto-switching layouts. One of the manager's recent innovations is automatic recognition of the password input field (previously it was necessary to temporarily limit the action of Punto Switcher). On this moment Compatibility with Windows 8 and higher is not guaranteed (beta status); for full operation the program must be run as an administrator.

An additional feature of Punto Switcher is keeping a diary. It would seem that an irretrievably lost record can be easily restored, just play it safe by activating the appropriate option and adjusting the length of the words recorded in the journal.

Summary. If you give short definition then Punto Switcher is a keyboard manager, not a hotkey manager. Therefore, the program has a wider application, with less functionality than other participants. It is indispensable when conducting correspondence and editing texts - especially multilingual ones. Ideally, Punto Switcher requires expanded support for hotkeys, autocompletion and custom dictionaries, recognition of languages ​​other than Russian or English.

[+] Correction of input errors
[+] Journaling
[+] User friendliness
[−] Relatively low functionality
[−] Supports only two keyboard languages

Key Switcher

The Key Switcher program is the “successor” of Keyboard Ninja, a well-known alternative to Punto Switcher in its time. Key Switcher also analyzes text input and corrects errors that may occur while typing. Mainly, the “third generation switch,” as the author calls the program, attracts attention with its support for 24 switching languages.

The program operates in one of 4 modes: full, safe, manual and inactive mode. Depending on this, Key Switcher reacts to text input in different ways. If autocorrection needs to be canceled, smart cancellation of switching using backspace helps out; in any case, switching layouts is easy to deactivate.

It is possible to train Key Switcher; you can independently determine the list of exceptions, but, alas, you cannot create a list of exception programs. Autocorrection rules are supplemented manually, plus it is worth noting autocorrection, which allows you to create abbreviations for entering words.

A special storage facility is provided for entering passwords, where they are stored in encrypted form. There is no journal for storing text in the program. In general, there are not so many options in Key Switcher (there were many more in Keyboard Ninja), especially the weak support for hot keys.

Summary. Compared to Punto Switcher, Key Switcher has such advantages as a wide range of supported languages ​​and the presence of several operating modes. Punto Switcher, however, has a more flexible system of exceptions, customization of hot keys, and a larger number of settings in general. Although, in general, both programs are interchangeable.

[+] Support 24 languages
[+] Operating modes to choose from
[+] Autocorrect and autocorrection
[−] It is impossible to create a list of exception programs
[−] Weak support for hotkeys

Key Manager

Key Manager is a wrapper program for assigning actions to mouse buttons, wheel scrolling, keyboard shortcuts, creating pop-up menus and other call methods.

The Key Manager interface is extremely simple, and creating actions is not particularly complicated. Instead of writing scripts - visual settings, to organize actions, categories and profiles are used, available for selection in the main program window. Action names are assigned automatically and have a completely readable format.

When adding a new action, the input action is indicated in the settings window: these can be all sorts of variations of presses, clicks of different press durations. You can also create custom modifiers and pop-up menus displaying commands. The actions performed can be characterized as simple: sending a letter, opening a website, inserting text, launching a program, calling a system command, controlling power, sound, etc. Key Manager supports inserting simple or RTF text using variables and templates, as well as imprinting.

Working with data (copying, deleting files) in Key Manager is not possible - but for a keyboard manager, by definition, these are already freelance functions. Macros are needed here, rather, to record a sequence of button and key presses. The recording is made in the “Sequence of clicks” section using the action editor.

The program allows you to fine-tune exceptions that will not be affected by hotkeys from programs and windows.

Summary. Thanks to convenient settings, Russian-language interface and, the program is intuitive for the user. Key Manager lives up to its name as a hotkey manager, and the most remarkable thing here is the use of all kinds of keyboard (and other) combinations to execute commands.

[+] User-friendly interface and easy setup actions
[+] Working with text templates
[+] Creating custom modifiers

Comfort Keys

Comfort Keys is a set of applications consisting of an automation utility, on-screen keyboard, clipboard manager, template manager and alternative layout switcher.

A wizard is used to determine the basic parameters of the program initial setup. In it, in particular, you can activate hotkeys for common actions: working with the manager, sound control, monitor control, keyboard options, system actions.

More fine-tuning is carried out in the “Settings” section shortcut keys» main parameters of Comfort Keys. Here you can select a key combination and type of action from the list: launching a program, opening a file, managing devices, and much more that is not in the wizard. It seems convenient to create sets of hot keys; you can distribute them at your discretion and switch between profiles as needed.

You can record a keystroke macro and assign a combination to it. Drawing parallels with Key Manager, it is worth noting that you cannot use the mouse when calling, and in general the scripting capabilities are very limited.

Automatic error correction functions are not implemented in Comfort Keys, but many operations are available using hot keys, such as: changing the input language of the last typed characters, switching the input language, converting selected characters to upper or lower case, inverting text and others. Useful feature, which allows you to significantly save time - auto-completion of words from the drop-down list. Moreover, it is possible to connect one from a list of Russian-language dictionaries or about two dozen foreign-language ones.

When listing other program modules available in the notification panel and through the context menu, we need to mention the clipboard manager (see on the topic) and the text template editor. Templates are another way to unify the entry of repeated words or phrases, for example, in correspondence. The template editor allows you to connect macros, and there is a choice of text formats. Templates located on a network resource are convenient to use in workgroups - and the files can be encrypted.

Using the entire Comfort Keys toolkit at the same time is not very convenient, since the program, along with its add-ons, takes up a considerable part of the screen. But you can turn off the panel additional tools in the main parameters.

Summary. Comfort Keys, if we talk about the Pro edition, is a very functional solution for speeding up typing and computer work. The program will be useful when working with templates, editing, and in everyday work. There are functions common to Punto Switcher and Key Switcher that allow you to quickly correct text. Flexible reassignment of hotkeys and a wide range of actions.

[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Wide choose actions for hotkeys
[+] Working with templates
[−] Inconvenient interface

Hot Keyboard

Hot Keyboard is a program for creating macros, assigning hotkeys to them, as well as the conditions under which they will be executed. In this case, a macro is an action that can be easily configured using options.

The main window of the program is a list into which you can add the desired set of actions. There are similarities to the Key Manager interface, although Hot Keyboard doesn't allow you to group actions into manually created categories or select profiles.

Macros are divided into 3 categories. The general category includes actions such as opening pages, creating menus, applications, files, search functions, and recording button presses. Separately, it is necessary to note the insertion of text - as expected, with a choice of format and support for special content: dates, times, variables and even files. Using macros, you can configure text auto-replacement.

The settings for each macro are available in a separate window. To perform an action, you can set a condition or set it to run on a schedule. Hot Keyboard has a fairly powerful scripting system. Variables, functions, operators are described in. In AutoHotkey, writing scripts was practically the only way to implement capabilities, but here “all means are good”, and scripts can be used in addition to actions. Actually, the third category of macros affects specific scripting functions: setting the execution delay, working with expressions, running another macro.

Summary. The Hot Keyboard utility is located at the user's disposal through setup dialogs with options. Learning the syntax language is not at all necessary. However, if you need more flexibility and functionality, scripts will provide significant help.

[+] Creating scripts
[+] Flexible action settings
[+] Defining conditions for running macros

Pivot table

Program	AutoHotkey	Punto Switcher	Key Switcher	Key Manager	Comfort Keys	Hot Keyboard
Developer	Chris Mallet and others	Yandex	InteLife Solutions	Atnsoft	Comfort Software Group	Imposant
License	Free	Free	Free/corporate	Paid (from 920 rub.)	Paid (from 390 rub.)	Free (non-commercial) / paid (business, from $29.95)
Russian-language localization	−	+	+	+	+	+
Writing scripts (macros)	+	−	−	+	+	+
AutoCorrect	+	+	+	−	−	+
Clipboard support	+	+	−	+	+	+
Hotkey assignments	+	+	+	+	+	+
Automatic layout switching	−	+	+	−	−	+ (macro)
Automatic error correction	−	+	+	−	−	−

The keyboard is used to enter information into the computer and provide control signals. It contains a standard set of alphanumeric keys and some additional keys - control and function keys, cursor control keys, as well as a small numeric keypad.

General concepts

Information entry point (cursor)- flickering on monitor screen The "|" character indicates the position at which the next character entered from the keyboard will be displayed.

The keyboard has a built-in buffer- small intermediate memory where entered characters are placed. All characters typed on the keyboard are immediately displayed on the monitor at the cursor position. However, if the system is busy, then the characters may not be immediately displayed on the screen, but placed in the keyboard buffer in order to display the entered characters on the screen after the system is released. If the keyboard buffer overflows, the key press will be accompanied by sound signal, meaning that the character was not entered (rejected).

The most common today is 105(7) - a keyboard with a key layout QWERTY(read “querti”), named after the keys located in the upper left row of the alphanumeric part of the keyboard.

Alphanumeric keys

The alphanumeric keys of the keyboard are designed for entering English and Russian letters, numbers, punctuation marks and some other symbols. To change the input language, click in the indicator area Taskbars on the keyboard indicator icon and select the desired language.

The language can also be changed using the keyboard. To do this, you usually use one of two keyboard shortcuts: Alt (left) + Shift or Ctrl + Shift.

Alphanumeric keys also enter characters from other national alphabets. For example, if you have the Belarusian language installed on your system, then most of the letters of the Belarusian language coincide with the arrangement of the letters of the Russian language. But there are also differences. They are presented in the following table:

Function keys

At the top of the keyboard are 12 function keys. F1-F12. Function keys may have different meanings in different applications. Here is an example of the actions that the key performs F5.

Note that in many programs, the key is used to get help (hints). F1.

Control keys

Control keys have the following purpose:

Enter- enter key. IN text editors Pressing the Enter key ends paragraph entry. When working, for example, in a folder window or Conductor pressing the Enter key performs the same functions as double-clicking the left mouse button (usually the default action is open).

Esc(escape - exit) a key to cancel any actions, for example, to exit a dialog box, menu, etc.

Key Alt used to select a command from the active application menu without using the mouse. By pressing the Alt key, the user accesses the first menu item of the active application. Further selection of the command is carried out using the movement keys ↓ ← → and pressing the key Enter. Key Alt widely used in combination with other keys. Here are some of them:

Key Ctrl has no independent meaning, but when pressed together with other alphabetic or control keys, it changes their action. Here are some examples of using such combinations:

Shift(register) - provides change the register of keys(top to bottom and vice versa). For example, pressing a key Shift Together with the alphabet key, it allows you to enter capital letters.

Insert(insert) - switches insertion modes (new characters are entered between those already typed, moving them apart) and replacement modes (old characters are mixed in with new ones).

Delete(delete) - deletes a character from a position to the right of the cursor (information entry point).

Back Space deletes the character in front of the cursor, i.e. to the left of the information entry position. Recall that the key Back Space located on the keyboard above the key Enter.

Tab - tab key, in text editors, it moves the cursor to the right several positions at once until the next tab stop; in dialog boxes, it serves to move between various control elements.

Caps Lock- fixes uppercase, providing entering capital letters instead of lowercase letters. Note that the key Caps Lock Works only with letter keys and does not affect special character input.

Scroll Lock- used only in spreadsheets to scroll information without changing the active cell.

Print Screen- provides copying information, currently displayed on the screen in Clipboard.

Long bottom key untitled - intended for entering spaces (to separate words).

The Windows logo key displays Main menu Windows. In addition, it is used to execute some commands, a list of which is given in the table below:

Keyboard shortcut	Purpose
Windows + Break	Opening a dialog box Properties of the system
Windows + D or Windows + M	Minimize all windows
Windows + Shift + M	Restoring minimized windows
Windows + E	Opening the My Computer window
Windows + F	Search for a file or folder
Ctrl + Windows + F	Search for computers
Windows + F1	Conclusion Windows Help
Windows + L	Lock the computer when connected to a domain or switch users if the computer is not connected to a domain
Windows + R	Opening a dialog box Execute
Windows+U	Opening Utility Manager

The key is used to call context menu selected object, i.e. replaces right-clicking on the selected object.

Navigation keys

Navigation keys have the following purpose.

The ↓ ← → keys are used to move the cursor accordingly up, down, left and right per position or line.

Home and End- provide movement of the cursor to the first and last position of the line, respectively.

Page Up and Page Down- provide movement through the text one screen page back and forth, respectively.

Small numeric keypad

Small numeric keypad can be used in two modes: for entering numbers and for cursor control. These modes are switched using the key Num Lock.

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BotMek is a brand new free macro keyboard and mouse emulator. Using this software, you can automate actions in various online games and more. The program has a convenient built-in macro editor, as well as a database of ready-made macros. A simple and intuitive interface will allow you to understand all the features of the program in the shortest possible time; the study will be accompanied by a neutral design, which suitable for most users. BotMek can become your indispensable assistant in games and at work and supports operating system from Windows XP to 10.

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KDWin is a program designed for people who need to constantly type text on different languages. It is known that on almost any keyboard only 2 languages ​​are indicated, i.e. English, as well as the language where the keyboard was purchased. The KDWin program allows you to change the keyboard layout, and also allows the user to type certain words without knowing the layout. The program automatically replaces all letters that the user types with similar characters in the language you need. For example, Russian F will be replaced with English F, or vice versa. In addition, the KDWin program has a built-in envelope...

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MediaKey (Mkey) is a utility created specifically to provide conventional keyboards with various multimedia functions. This means that you can now assign hotkeys to perform certain actions. For example, pressing the Ctrl and - keys simultaneously will decrease the sound, and the combination of Ctrl and + will, on the contrary, increase the volume. This will be much cheaper than purchasing an expensive keyboard in a store with buttons that control play, pause, stop songs, etc. The MediaKey utility has many useful features. With its help you can control players such as Media Player Classi...

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Punto Switcher convenient program to automatically switch keyboard layout. It is designed for the convenience of manual typing on the keyboard. So you can type without being distracted by the layout. IN new version added support for Windows 8 and automatic detection entering the password. The program is the best in its class and has no competitors. The program has a built-in function for remembering certain words you often use. There are hotkeys to cancel switching layouts. The big advantage of the program is that it increases productivity and convenience of working at the computer. The program is absolutely free to use.

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Key Switcher is a convenient utility designed to automatically reassign keyboard layouts. Triggers when text is entered incorrectly. The program itself corrects typos. Corrects the case of letters. If the user accidentally put two capital letters, Key Switcher will fix that too. Any action taken by the application can be rolled back simply by clicking on the Backspace key. The utility will evaluate all user actions and remember what not to do. When correcting errors and typos, the program always focuses on the text type. Allows you to assign other keys to change and switch languages. In some moments...

Free Virtual Keyboard is a convenient utility designed primarily for owners tablet computers, as well as for laptops that have touch screen. This utility is useful in cases where your keyboard is too inconvenient for you, or it is missing altogether for some reason. It is in such cases that you can use Free utility Virtual Keyboard. The program differs in that it allows you to resize the virtual keyboard so that you see the information you need in a window in addition to the keyboard. Also, the program allows you to easily adjust the transparency of this window. There is a symbol auto-repeat function.

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