Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum 20

I have been typing 4 many years, & have know the basics of tough typing, although I have not been able 2 apply them; so I have been unable 2 type without looking at the keyboard. One obvious problem with this being that I would not notice mistakes until long after they were made. So I finally decided 2 do something about it; Mavis Beacon 2 the rescue!

Once loaded the programmes is very easy 2 use; & it starts with some quite basic lessons using just a few keys. As the lessons progress so more keys are introduced. Every so often the routine of exercises is broken with a typing "game" of one form or another. There are also tests which assess whether or not you are ready 2 pass on the next level.

The lessons are tailored 2 the user's ability based on an initial typing test. The programme also allows the user 2 dictate 2 a certain extent, with the choice of taking a lesson, going 2 the practice area, playing a game, or customising the lessons. There are also various charts which show, 4 example, ones progress, or which keys one knows well & which ones need more practice. While one is typing an on-screen keyboard shows the correct finger 2 use 4 the key required.

How does it work in practice? With spending only about 15 minutes a day & without too much effort, after a week I noticed a marked improvement in my typing. After two weeks I had more that doubled my speed & considerably improved my accuracy. Obviously giving more time daily would mean even faster progress, but one of the attractions of such a programme is that one can dictate 4 oneself how much time is devoted 2 it.

While the lessons are not exactly all fun, they are not tedious either & offer plenty of variety. My biggest criticism is the graphics; they are very dated & rather basic, & it's not a familiar Windows format. The on screen font used could have been better chosen; I had difficulty distinguishing between a capital & lower-case "L". So on these points as far as I am concerned it looses one star; but otherwise it is an excellent way 2 improve ones typing skills.

This version of Ms. Beacon's software makes typing even more enjoyable 2 learn. It is really adaptive 2 how well you can type - it picked up that I was an intermediate typist after a few lessons - you can't con Ms. Beacon it seems.
A few points are
1)It would be preferable if you could customize this software 2 eliminate some types of lessons - 4 example I want 2 touch type letters & numbers but not the minor punctuation keys like brackets -
2)The import facility is great up 2 a point but when you add the text from internet sources it tends 2 add weird hypertext characters which are annoying as you want just 2 type text.
3)The games are basic & not very challenging - I enjoyed a game called typing of the dead which pushes my touch typing 2 the limit - I wish Ms. Beacon would incorporate something like this or typer shark deluxe.

Overall however apart from these few minor points the software does what it says on the box teach you 2 type which is what it is intended 2 do. There are not many typing programs of this quality on the market & she is still the standard bearer.

As a previous review stated, the product stops teaching one keys after E & I. Apparently it was never tested by anyone at the beginner level.

There is no easy way 2 report this 2 the publisher as well.

Very disappointing.

I purchased this about two weeks ago, planning 2 finally learn 2 touchtype. Perhaps this is the best package out there, but I am quite disappointed with it. The lessons start off comfortably, with a introdution 2 the resting position keys, followed by drills using those keys. But on my copy of the program, after introducing the first two keys that are not directly under the resting position (the "e" & "i"), the lessons & drills jump 2 a much more advanced level - requiring the use of many letters not introduced yet. Perhaps my package is uniquely buggy, but since there's no customer service at Broderbund's website, I'll never know.

For a package that's at version 20, I'm very disappointed.

This program offers the basic features that you'd expect from most any typing training program within the last 5-10 years, but offers little else that's impressive.

It has a heavy list of glaring flaws, however, as there are very obvious format flaws in some of the lessons (no spaces after the end of some sentences, etc). The options you choose such as double-spacing after the end of sentences sometimes don't carry over, & never do with games. There are also graphical bugs with the strike-through style option of typing that cause words in later lessons 2 be offset, replaced, or disappear.

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Maximize your productivity with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum 20. The most comprehensive typing instruction system now includes updated learning tools, an improved user interface & even more features 2 guarantee typing improvements in just 2 weeks. In addition 2 Mavis Beacon's personal typing instruction, detailed reports illustrate overall progress & assist in identifying specific strengths & weaknesses. It offers typists of all skill levels & ages a brand new learning experience with greater benefits & increased efficiency. Whether you want 2 learn essential keyboarding skills or improve overall typing efficiency, Mavis Beacon will guide you step-by step on your road 2 success. Improve speed & accuracy with detailed assessments, customized lessons & skill-building games. In addition 2 Mavis Beacon's personal typing instruction, detailed reports illustrate overall progress & assist in identifying specific strengths & weaknesses. Powerful learning tools, along with this detailed reporting will help typists excel at their own pace. Hard work is rewarded with certificates of completion. Cool tools such as import your own MP3 files & fun arcade-style games enrich the learning experience. Choose from music options or import your own MP3 files & type 2 your own tunes Choose 2 type from hundreds of interesting articles, stories & emoticons Learn essential keyboarding skills or improve overall typing efficiency Detailed progress reports assist in identifying strengths & weaknesses Works with Microsoft Vista & Mac OS X Universal certified

Maximize your productivity with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum 20! The most comprehensive typing instruction system now includes updated learning tools, an improved user interface & even more features 2 guarantee typing improvements in just 2 weeks.

In addition 2 Mavis Beacon's personal typing instruction, detailed reports illustrate overall progress & assist in identifying specific strengths & weaknesses.

16 Arcade-style typing games, including multi-level games.

430 Personalized lessons, exercises & tests.

Offers typists of all skill levels & ages a brand new learning experience with greater benefits & increased efficiency.

Whether you want 2 learn essential keyboarding skills or improve overall typing efficiency, Mavis Beacon will guide you step-by step on your road 2 success! Improve speed & accuracy with detailed assessments, customized lessons & skill-building games.

In addition 2 Mavis Beacon's personal typing instruction, detailed reports illustrate overall progress & assist in identifying specific strengths & weaknesses. Powerful learning tools, along with this detailed reporting will help typists excel at their own pace. Hard work is rewarded with "recess time" & certificates of completion. Cool tools such as "import your own MP3 files" & fun arcade-style games enrich the learning experience.

Redesigned with advanced technology & updated with even more features--Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum 20 offers typists of all skill levels & ages a brand new learning experience with greater benefits & increased efficiency.

• 430 Personalized lessons, exercises & tests
  
  
• 16 Arcade-style games, including multi-level games
  
  
• Detailed tracking & progress reporting
  
  
• New content--type jokes, riddles, recipes, song lyrics & more
  
  
• Type in English, Spanish & French
  
  
• Choose from new music options or import your own MP3 files & type 2 your own tunes
  
  
• New Certificates of Completion
  
  
• Hybrid--Works with Microsoft Vista & Mac OSX Universal certified
  
  

Platinum Exclusives

• Unique Custom Lesson Designer
  
  
• Learn 2 type in English, Spanish & French
  
  
• New multi-level arcade-style games
  
  
• Import your own text as Word.doc formats--be productive while practicing your typing skills
  
  
• Choose 2 type from hundreds of interesting articles, stories & emoticons
  
  

Learn with Mavis Beacon & achieve noticeable results quicker than any other typing program--guaranteed.