Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor 5.0

Overview

Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is an intuitive software that provides an interactive, fun way to learn how to type quickly and easily. The software focuses on simplifying the process of learning the most important aspects of typing to help you increase your dexterity enough to make all of your fingers as accurate as your thumbs, hence the name "Ten Thumbs" Typing Tutor.

Installation

The installation and setup process is pretty straightforward, with a wizard style guide that asks you a few questions and requires you to press OK/Next a couple of times. With a file size of only about 6 MB the program downloads in just a couple of minutes, and takes up a very little disk space. Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is compatible with Windows 98, NT, ME, 2000, and XP, as well as Mac OS X 10.1.3 above, and all recent versions of Linux. Users should have a processor of Pentium II or greater, with at least 256 MB of RAM.

Interface

The user interface is surprisingly simple, as it only requires you to create a profile, choose a class and language, and click OK to begin/resume a lesson. Once you've entered your lesson, you'll be greeted with one of many challenges that you face on your way to becoming a proficient typist.

Pros

• SongSeeker feature lets you learn to type by typing the lyrics of your favorite songs in your iTunes library

• Compatible with multiple keyboard types, and 7 different languages – English, German, French, Danish, Dutch, Italian, Spanish

• Quickly teaches you the five habits of effective touch typing, which will lead to fast typing skills in just a couple of days

• Ideal for users of all ages, as it is fun enough to engage children, yet advanced enough to effectively teach adults

• Network and Teachers versions are available, which allow you to create multiple profiles and use them within a local network to facilitate the tutoring of an entire class of students

• Lets you print progress reports for each lesson. You can also export/print compiled reports for each student

• Built-in language generator ensures that every lesson gives you something new to type, thereby avoiding repetitive, mundane experiences

• Automatically analyzes your typing performance and focuses on helping you with keys that you're having problems with

Cons

• User interface is not as advanced as one would expect.

Alternatives

Perhaps the most notable alternative to Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is TypingMaster Pro, which provides similar functionality, yet appears to be more geared towards adults. If you want a software that is great for children and people of all ages, Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is your best choice.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a fun and easy way to learn how to type like a professional typist in just a couple of weeks, Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor provides an ideal solution. With a simple, yet effective interface, and several games that make learning how to type more enjoyable, the software is perfect for everyone.