Touch Typing Now!

As computers are being used by more and more people, it has become apparent that typing is not just a skill required by typist anymore. Acquiring strong typing skills is imperative when conducting a thorough web search or any other computer program. When people first begin to use computers, many do not take the time to learn how to type correctly, and this has a direct impact on their computer interactions. People do not realize that by learning how to type properly their searches will be more effective and their overall computer performance will be more productive.

There are typing tutorials currently on the market such as Mavis Beacon and the like however, Mavis Beacon move over because Touch Typing is now the newest most advanced program geared for the Jewish community. Relatively quick and easy to learn, Touch Typing can not only teach you to type English, but Hebrew as well! This is the added advantage that makes Touch Typing so profitable and unique. Both Hebrew and English instructions are all integrated into one program saving you money as opposed to buying two separate programs.

The hustle and bustle of the school year is quickly approaching, and with the forever hectic schedules of a typical work week who has the time to learn how to type? This is why there is no better time to start learning this valuable skill than in the midst of summer. The truth is even with all the hustle and bustle, you could learn this program during the year. The goal of the program is to teach the user how to type in approximately ten hours, and this is done in a matter of 19 lessons, which roughly come out to be a half hour each session.

When you first glance at the box, do not let the fact that everything is in Hebrew frighten you. When I first popped in the CD into the computer, I was a bit surprised when it loaded up because the welcoming screen was entirely in Hebrew making me question whether I had inserted the right program. However, before returning the program (which is usually everyone’s initial reaction when encountering this type of situation), I decided to see what it was all about and continued on with the installation.

For those of you who are not familiar with Hebrew, stay calm! Just click on the check to continue with the installation. A new window will open up in Hebrew and you will now have a choice as to which directory you would like for the program to be installed on. Underneath that, you will see an Israeli flag with some Hebrew text next to it in the drop down menu, but when scrolling down the menu you can select UK English for English instructions. Once selecting English, click on the check. From then on, you do not have to worry because the program will now run in English.

As noted earlier, there are 19 lessons, each one a little more advanced than the previous one. Each of these lessons are taught by a virtual instructor, who allows you to pause, fast forward, or rewind at the same time you’re practicing on the screen. If you follow the order of the lessons, then after the fifth lesson the program will let you practice your typing skills with games. These games help you learn how to type in a fun way. This is a really great feature for kids (and for some adults as well). There are also tests that will help you sharpen your skills and make sure you are ready to move on to the next level.

This program is for children and adults alike. There are several options, which you can choose to use when using the program. For instance, you can change the format of the keyboard on your screen from a standard to ergonomic. In fact, your kids can adjust the style of the keyboard to be more colorful and appealing to them.

Now you have another dilemma. The program is so successful that the entire family each wants a chance to learn how to type. Once again do not worry, the program gives you the choice of having separate users. Each one keeps track of that particular user’s progress. Ok, so you are embarrassed that someone in your family might see how bad you are doing. Fear Not!! The program has an option that requires users to have a login password. Sometimes some people have more of a natural knack for typing and are able to learn much quicker. The program has a great option that lets the user learn on a beginner’s level or on an advanced one.

There are plenty of other options and features in the program such as the option of having your typing lessons come in the form of random letters as opposed to regular words or vice versa. You can also switch the interface between standard and elegant to give it that extra pizzazz. There is also the ability to practice your newly acquired skills online. You will see that there are plenty of features you will come across when using Touch Typing.

One of my favorite features is the one that allows you to view your progress. This feature shows you a detailed breakdown, such as the user start and finish time, duration, number of characters typed, number of mistakes, accuracy, words per minute, characters per minute and a mark on how you did. To top it off, it will even allow you to print it. All these features combined serve as a great tool in learning the rewarding skill of typing.

As far as installation requirements, the program requires a PC with Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. At least 32MB RAM minimum (64 MB of RAM Recommended) a CD-ROM drive, and sound card.

All in all this is a great program for all ages, plus it is quite affordable. The distinctive feature of this program is that it provides bilingual virtual tutorials in the users native language (Hebrew or English), while simultaneously instructing the typing lessons in a different language (Hebrew or English).