What's the Best Free Learn to Type Software?

What's the Best Free Learn to Type Software?

Searching for the best free learn to type software often garners pages of spam and free trial software. In this article, I examine the few REAL free learn to type software programs so you can make the best decision before downloading. Which ones are worth your time? Read on to find out....

Stamina Typing Tutor

Stamina has my vote for the best free learn to type software program. It's a fast download, and installation is the easiest I've ever seen. One step and it's done. Then, you just type in your name and you're ready to begin. From the time I clicked "download" until I began the first lesson took less than one minute.

When the program launches, a very detailed (and rather snarky) help file appears. However, this free learn to type software is so easy to use, you may never need it. You begin right away with the first lesson, which is the first four letters, d, f, j, and k. The letters scroll across the screen, and are highlighted on the sample keyboard as you type.

At the end of each lesson, you'll be given a progress report, and you can view your progress at any time from the taskbar. The interface is very simple. You can choose to change your mode from basic to digits, combinations, and symbols. There are even lessons for the number pad, making smiley faces, and HTML! You can also choose to use the alternate ergonomic fingering placement approved by the FDA to learn to type, and never worry about carpal tunnel syndrome.

This free learn to type software is recommended for absolute beginners to typing, or even to computers in general. There aren't many bells and whistles with this program, but you'll learn to type quickly without looking at the keyboard.

Pros of Stamina Typing Tutor

• Simple to use interface
• Ability to pause and restart lessons
• Detailed help file
• Teaches quickly
• Special lessons unavailable elsewhere
• Easy navigation
• Progress tracking
• Song player
• Add your own phrases
• Ability to customize look and feel of the program
• Separate user profiles
• Learn at your own pace
• Choose your own lessons
• Choice of alternative, ergonomic finger placement

Cons of Stamina Typing Tutor

• None! It's the best free learn to type software out there.

Click HERE to download the free learn to type software, Stamina Typing Tutor.

RapidTyping Typing Tutor

This is a fun, game-like free learn to type software. The download is quick and the installation is easy. You'll be prompted to install the Yahoo toolbar, which you can deny. After this, once you run the program, you'll be asked to choose your keyboard type. If you are unsure, just leave it on Type #1. Then, you'll be asked to choose if you want to be measured in words per minute (WPM) or characters per minute (CPM). Choose whichever you like, although WPM is more practical.

You'll begin with the first lesson which is the letters f, j, d, and k. The picture of hands on a keyboard highlights each letter you need to type, and it is also displayed on the exotic fish background. You'll be scored on your accuracy at the end of the lesson. The better you become, the more fish will be visible swimming around the background.

The program is visually very appealing, and SIMPLE to use. Even children could use it with ease, and probably enjoy making the fish appear as they type. After each lesson, you'll be given a progress report, which you can view at any time.

There are a large number of typing lessons that come with this free learn to type software, and you don't have to start at the beginning. You can choose the lesson you want to begin with. The lessons begin with four individual letters at a time, and then move to syllables, then capitals, then words, then numbers and symbols, then paragraphs.

Pros of RapidTyping Typing Tutor

• Fun and attractive interface
• Child friendly
• Easy to use
• Choose your own lessons
• Good for beginners and intermediate level typists
• Progress reports
• Access to basic help and support
• Learn at your own pace
• More free-style than other programs
• Separate user profiles
• Sound can be toggled on/off

Cons of RapidTyping Typing Tutor

• No goal tracking

Click HERE to download the free learn to type software, RapidTyping Typing Tutor.

Typing Tutor 2006

This free learn to type software has many different features, and is recommended for anyone who wants to get down to business. The download is small, and installation is easy to understand. The first time you run the program, you'll be prompted to take a short typing test. The program provides a paragraph for you to type. It will then assess your skill level and match the lessons to you.

The next phase consists of setting your goal. You'll be given a choice of what you want to learn, from "unbelievable typing speed" to "the basics". Beginners should choose "the basics". You can then choose the time in which you wish to learn your chosen goal. The choices range from one week to six months.

I chose to learn the basics in one week. The program then informed me that I would be able to learn the basics of typing in seven days, if I practiced one hour per day. I was next given an overview of what I'd be learning for each hour and each day of the lessons. Overall, the functionality of this free learn to type software is very impressive.

Pros of Typing Tutor 2006:

• Regular progress reports
• High functionality
• Customizable to your skill level
• Ability to set and track goals
• Separate user profiles
• Breakdown and explanation of lessons
• Learn at your own pace

Cons of Typing Tutor 2006:

• Can be difficult to understand the expectations of the finger placement exercises, however with a few tries you can get it
• Lack of a help file
• May have too many features for anyone new to computers

Click HERE to download the free learn to type software, Typing Tutor 2006.

Additional Resources:

Learn to Type for Free - Reviews of three of the top web-based typing programs.

How to Learn to Type for Free - Ehow article with many good suggestions on how to learn to type for free.