Typewriters

A traditional typewriter

Before computers came along people used small printing machines called typewriters. As recently as ten years ago, practically all office workers used typewriters.

Typewriters print words on paper – one letter, or character, at a time. To write the letter B, for example, levers push a piece of type with a b on it against an inked ribbon and onto the paper.

From the begining of the 20th Century women were often preferred to men in office work which used a typewriter.

Managers thought womens smaller fingers would be quicker, more nimble and precise at pressing the right keys.