Mavis Beacon is a typing tutor that helps people learn to type faster and more accurately. The original program was released in 1987 by The Software Toolworks for MS-DOS and became one of the best-known typing tutors, used by people of all ages. Later editions came from other publishers: Software MacKiev, for example, produced the 2011 Ultimate Mac Edition. The program combines lessons and exercises that build speed, accuracy and good typing habits with games that keep practice engaging.
Want to know more about the program itself? Read about Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing and its editions.
The interface is simple and easy to follow. The main dashboard shows your current lesson, your progress, your typing speed and accuracy, your words-per-minute goals and the settings. A Help section explains the program's features and functions (find out more on mavisbeacon.zendesk.com). The interface also includes an on-screen keyboard that you can follow while you practice.
The lessons cover every skill level, from beginners to advanced typists. You can adjust settings such as speed, difficulty level and text size to suit the way you learn, and the program gives feedback during each lesson so you can track your progress and see where you need more practice. If you are setting it up on a newer computer, see how to install Mavis Beacon on Windows 10.
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The program has a wide range of features for learning to type quickly and accurately. Its library of lessons covers touch-typing basics, punctuation, numbers and symbols. Timed tests and games let students and teachers check progress and compare results over time.
Support depends on the edition you use. The Mac edition is produced by Software MacKiev, while Windows editions have been published by Encore Software, so for licensing or technical questions contact the publisher of your copy. This fan website does not provide support for the program itself, but our Mavis Beacon install guide walks you through the setup.
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Mavis Beacon is an effective tool for anyone who wants to learn to type accurately. Its lessons teach touch-typing basics, its settings let you tailor practice to your own goals, and its timed tests and games make learning fun.