Introduction
Typing tutors and wizards are an important tool from which almost
everyone could benefit. If you are interested in upping your WPM (words
per minute), then try one of these freeware programs.
Discussion
In the unorthodox corner, we have Stamina Typing Tutor.
It was by far the funniest typing program I have ever used and probably
ever will. When you make a typing mistake, you get an annoying taunt.
Some of my favorites are "oye!","uh-oh" and, "I'll be back" (from The Terminator) when you exit the program.Along with its funniness, Stamina Typing Tutor contains some very cool features. The text scrolls like Rapid Typing Tutor, but in this case, it feels much more smooth. You will definitely notice the difference if you have used other typing tutors with side scroll. Stamina also has a fair lesson layout including the basics, digits, symbols, phrases and a few more. If you don't like any of the default lessons, you can make your own using the built-in lesson editor.
Another impressive element is that you can customize the background with your own images! You probably noticed I used a fallout 3 wallpaper ;) Stamina also has background music. Everyone knows typing to techno music is the best tempo to use whilst typing! The songs play on a playlist, so you can pick and choose which songs you want to play including any songs you might have in the mp3 format.
To wrap it up, the interface is user-friendly and looks superb. The only feature Stamina Typing Tutor doesn't possess is virtual hands, but I find this is a marginal issue because most people don't need virtual hands to type any faster then they normally do. I would recommend Stamina Typing Tutor as the best typing program for users who already have some basic typing skills.
Rapid Typing Tutor
is another good typing tutor for intermediate learners who want to
improve their typing in a new and interesting way. I especially liked
the colorful theme because I am a strong believer in the link between
color and memory comprehension.What sets Rapid Typing Tutor apart from other typing programs is its many noteworthy features including: a virtual keyboard with moving hands; progress tracking that displays your current/past printing speed and accuracy; and the capability for you to make your own lessons.
Although Rapid Typing Tutor has a multitude of features, I would not recommend it to beginners. There is no instruction on how to type other then watching the moving hands, and the interface is largely confusing. However, it is a great program for people who have memorized where most of the keys are and just want to become more proficient in their typing skills.
I suggest outright beginners start with Kiran's Typing Tutor because of the informative lessons Kiran gives.
Kiran's Typing Tutor
takes typing back to square one. The introductory lessons do a
wonderful job teaching proper habits, techniques, and posture to use
whilst typing for optimum productivity. Kiran also teaches you a variety
of different hand exercises and stretches to perform before a rigorous
typing session.Informative progress reports display your past/present wpm and accuracy, as well as the letters you most frequently mistype.
Unfortunately, Kiran's typing design is extremely flawed. When you have finished typing a set of letters or words, the screen changes, making it hard to type at a constant speed. Furthermore, you receive an error if you press the space bar after typing the last letter/word which you would normally do in the real world.
For that reason, I do not recommend Kiran to intermediate users. It is, however, an ideal typing tutor for absolute beginners. The interface is user-friendly, and there is a large amount of typing instruction/practice available for both QWERTY and Dvorak keyboard layouts; it also includes 4 typing games.
Stamina Typing Tutor
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Funny taunts. Can play songs
in the mp3 format. Pretty interface. User friendly. Displays progress
reports. Background image customizable. Exceptionally smooth typing.
Good lesson layout. Can make your own lessons. Support for multiple
keyboard layouts.
Lack of instruction
2.5
4 MB
Unrestricted freeware
Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista
Additional funny sounds highly recommended! Download here.
Rapid Typing Tutor
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Colorful themes and a
skinnable interface. Virtual keyboard with moving hands,progress
tracking, and the capability for you to make your own lessons. Portable
version available. Support for multiple keyboard layouts.
Confusing interface. Lack of instruction. Irregular typing.
4.6.6
8.4 MB
Unrestricted freeware
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista/7
Kiran's Typing Tutor
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Large amount of typing
instruction/practice available for both QWERTY and Dvorak keyboard
layouts. Informative progress reports. User-friendly interface. Includes
4 typing games.
Typing design extremely flawed.
1.0
4.9 MB
Unrestricted freeware
Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista
