Chun See uncovers a typewriter while spring cleaning – do you know how to operate one? It’s not as easy as pressing keys, that’s for sure!

How was working on a typewriter different from working with a computer? For one, think of a typewriter as a computer, word-processor and printer all rolled into one. You actually had to be mindful of the paper you were using:

It’s been decades since I last used a typewriter. I remember that when you wanted to type a single sheet, you had to use an additional sheet of paper so that the keys would not damage the drum. Of course, if you wanted a duplicate, you had to use a sheet of carbon paper, which was usually blue or black. And when you reached the end of a line, a small bell goes off and you literally had to use you left hand to push the ‘carriage return’ lever. Of course you could manually set the tabs as well as the line spacing and even Cap Lock.

Read about the usage of the typewriter in Chun See’s post here.