Best way to learn how to type?

[Busie23]

What's the best software out there for this? The only one I come up with is Mavis Beacon and a bunch of kids stuff. Mavis seems to have poor reviews? Any other good pieces that anyone has used?

 

[ts3433]

I didn't use any software--just know that left index starts on F, right index starts on J (these keys have the bumps on them), thumbs go on space, and go from there till your fingers have kind of memorized the keyboard layout. (Granted, I can only type about 74 WPM, but I guess that's because I'm not a terribly skilled pianist, just now beginning to be able to play the first movement of Moonlight Sonata.)

 

[3chordcharlie]

the best way is a very boring summer job with a computer, no internet access, and nothing else to do.

(15 to 55 wpm in 3 months... I know, not too fast, but my fingers just aren't that quick)

 

[cjgallen]

I learned on "Mario Teaches Typing." Really old school. I still have the disks for it, I think I might bust it out.

 

[gsaldivar]

#collegegirls

 

[toekramp]

i figured Instant Messaging programs took care of this

 

[MrCodeDude]

I learned through a Mac program. I forget what it was called, but I remember typing in fadasa over and over again.

 

[gsaldivar]

Originally posted by: toekramp
i figured Instant Messaging programs took care of this

I put on my robe and wizard hat.... :thumbsup:

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: cjgallen
I learned on "Mario Teaches Typing." Really old school. I still have the disks for it, I think I might bust it out.

Nice! My brother had that - and the disk is still around somewhere at my parents' house.

 

[JulesMaximus]

ATOT...you can thank me later.

 

[axelfox]

Typing of the Dead PC version.

 

[TwiceOver]

Multiple IM conversations.

 

[richardycc]

mirc! best typing program ever!

 

[Actaeon]

Chatting (Through Online games, or personal IMs) improved my typing skills dramatically. While I may not type "properly", but in terms of speed I can probally "out-type" everyone I know.

 

[thirtythree]

I'm sure Mavis Beacon'll work fine. It's just annoying as hell is all.

 

[tk149]

Just look for online typing tutors. You'll see which fingers are supposed to hit which keys.

Just remember that there is no "easy" way. Touch typing involves training your mind to know exactly which fingers are supposed to hit which keys. That means that only lots and lots of practice will help you. Most typing tutorials I've seen (including the one I took in school) require you to start out slow, and spend hours (yes, hours) just typing two or three different letters at a time, so that your fingers will be trained to know exactly where the proper keys are.

For example, try touch typing "fad" a hundred times. Then try "fade." Slow and boring, but guaranteed to work, if you don't cheat.

 

[episodic]

IRC

 

[TRUMPHENT]

I've never seen a bad review of Mavis Beacon. It's only at version 16 now. I started out with a version for DOS that was bundled with my first computer. You only have to use it for 15 minutes at time, a couple of times a week to benefit from it.

Where did you see a negative review?

 

[V00DOO]

I can't type for shi+ and I am using AIM MSN all the time. I must have retarded fingers.

 

[vshah]

just make a conscious effort to type correctly, and eventually your fingers will learn it. I didn't take any courses or use any programs...

typingspeed.gif

-Vivan

 

[Ionizer86]

I actually loved the Mavis Beacon software! It made me pretty good at typing, and some of the games were actually lots of fun

Haha, I can't help but link to this! I haven't taken a typing test for so long. Last time I tested myself, I barely broke 100. I have no idea how I suddenly broke 120 now

 

[Utterman]

Originally posted by: axelfox
Typing of the Dead PC version.

:thumbsup:

 

[dfi]

When I was younger, I had a summer filled with nothing to do. I also had Mavis Beacon teaches typing. I would literally spend hours a day typing. Now, I consistenly score in the high 80s on typing exams. Well, I also played classical piano, so I'm sure that helped. But, all you really need is Mavis Beacon and lots of free, unproductive, time to kill.

dfi

 

[Busie23]

Amazaon had the bad reviews. Annoying things like the game haning up at certain levels, etc. I have one of the first versions way back when, and it would only allow me to get to a certain level and then just be stuck doing the same levels over and over again. Some people had the same reviews for version 16. I bought a copy anyways for like $4.

 

[Baked]

Space Invader typing game. It was on DOS. Fun game.