IDEA: Text Editor just for text (stay with me)

[CodeTRUCKER]

Wordstar is a very powerful writing tool once you can master it.  The ability to never have to let your fingers leave the keys is huge.  I can only type about 18 wpm (with errors), so I am no great ad for it, but I do understand the value.

[CodeTRUCKER]

I am using this tool.  I don't call it a "text editor" I call it a "writer's tool."  That's what it's designed for and that is where it shines.

[AndyM]

I haven't gone thru every single point he's made, but I have both Word and Boxer Text Editor customized to use WordStar (or similar) keyboard commands across the board.  Plus I have VBA macros to do more complicated things assigned to other keyboard shortcuts in Word.

And I use a simple utility to swap the Control, Alt, and Capslock keys to put them back where they belong system wide.

I don't even like reaching for the backspace key.  That's what Ctrl-h is, and always has been, for.  AutoHotkey does that system-wide.

I'd be surprised if all of WordStar's functionality couldn't be duplicated in addition to having the power that the newer programs offer. 

(also use most of the same keyboard shortcuts in Excel, but you have to use VBA onkey to assign keys to other than Ctrl-letters, and AutoHotkey for shortcuts while editing cells since macros don't work then).

[CodeTRUCKER]

...have a link?

[AndyM]

And I use a simple utility to swap the Control, Alt, and Capslock keys to put them back where they belong system wide.

...have a link?

I think I got this from the Windows Resource Kit:
 
RemapKey Version 0.99g2
Copyright (C) 1996-1999 by Hirofumi "Hiro" Yamamoto

But I've seen several others out there in a Google Search.

They all work the same way, changing Registry Settings, Current User
or Current Machine, I think.  You have to reboot or log off then back
on but then the keys stay remapped even when the machine is rebooted
until you re-set them.

[CodeTRUCKER]

So far I'm not seeing any issues on my XP Box, but use at your own risk.

[AndyM]

So far I'm not seeing any issues on my XP Box, but use at your own risk.

I've been using it since I got my XP Pro machine several years ago, and on another XP Home machine I occasionally use.  Have had no problems at all.

[rjbull]

writer Robert Sawyer's manifesto of WordStar as the True Way for writers

[...]


For a WinGUI WordStar-style editor, take a look at WSedit  http://www.writeands...m/english/indxf.html

-rjbull (January 31, 2006, 04:14 AM)

I am using this tool.  I don't call it a "text editor" I call it a "writer's tool."  That's what it's designed for and that is where it shines.

-Farmsteader (January 15, 2007, 04:19 PM)

That's not a bad distinction, especially given that Dr. Vieregg designed it as an add-on for his HTML/CHM compiler, which are as much "writing" tasks as "editing" ones.  And I'm glad to see other folk still following the True Way of WordStar 

Here are a couple of keyboard  remappers:
OkayKeybees
Dev-Labs' Keyboard Remapper for Windows

Disclaimer: I haven't tried these.