Speed Typing Software

All typing software aim to improve typing speed and accuracy

Typing software products aim to improve a person's typing speed and accuracy--the two most important factors in determining typing ability. Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), a score that also takes into account the number of errors made. Most typing software generate a WPM score after adjusting for errors; the corrected score is based on typing speed, in which each errors take away points from the total score.

Touch Typing

Touch typing is the practice of typing without looking at the keyboard. Touch typing greatly improves speed, because the typist does not have to locate individual keys each time, and can operate the keyboard based on muscle memory. Typing software, such as TypingMaster and EliteTyping, increase typing speed by offering lessons on the basics of touch typing, such as wrist orientation and finger placement, as well as comprehensive lessons for all fingers. Apart from speed, typing software products also help with accuracy by reducing the number of errors a typist makes, and eliminating stress in fingers, arms and neck by improving posture.

Keyboard Layout

The introductory lessons in most typing software usually orientate the learner with the layout of the keyboard. The QWERTY is the most popular layout in modern computers, and most software are designed around this variant; other layouts such as the Dvorak are also used, but typing software for it is rarer. Software for the QWERTY layout familiarizes the learner to the groups of related keys, such as the alphanumeric keys that make up the bulk of the keyboard, the number pad and the special function keys, marked F1 to F12. This familiarization with the keyboard is important because speed typing lessons include keyboard shortcuts for common actions, such as "Copy" and "Paste," used in most word processors.

TypingMaster Pro

TypingMaster Pro is a proven software to improve a person's typing speed and accuracy. According to the product's website, the software incorporates customized exercises and relevant feedback to guide a learner through each lesson. The software is intuitive, automatically adjusting difficulty levels according to individual progress, and pinpointing and emphasizing on specific weaknesses, to improve performance in as little as three to five hours of training. The product's webpage promises that the program "increases typing speed significantly, saving a lot of valuable work time."

Features

Typing software may be evaluated based on feature set. Good software should present the lessons in a way that the learner feels motivated to do, and should be versatile, comprehensive and customizable. Some software, such as Stamina Typing Tutor and Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor, include a full feature set, such as support for different keyboard layouts, including QWERTY and Dvorak, virtual keyboard, and even games and audio clips. Depending on developer, the software may or may not have additional features, such as support for different languages, flexibility to design customized lessons, or adaptability for learners of all ages.

Habits

Apart from offering lessons, typing software products also help with practices that may improve speed. Some introductory lessons offer help on posture, placement of monitor relative to keyboard and wrists, and even keyboard style--for example, some typists may prefer smaller keys that can be operated by a light tap, while others may be more comfortable using a keyboard with larger, more rigid keys.

References

• Calculator Cat: Speed typing test
• Typing Soft: All the touch typing tutors
• TypingMaster: Features