---

The keyboard on your computer owes a lot to Christopher Sholes and Carlos Glidden.

They patented the first practical typewriter on this day in 1868 — which led to many famous brand names such as Smith-Corona, Remington Rand and Underwood.

The need for skilled typists allowed many women to first enter the world of professional business.

Fifty years ago, about a quarter of all high school students were enrolled in typing classes, becoming intimately familiar with carbon paper and erasers. In preparing for their careers now, a vast majority of students in the nation's public high schools use computers.

About 90 percent of classrooms have computers — and more than 80 percent have Internet access.

---