Mavis Beacon Platinum 25th Anniversary Edition: A Plain Guide

Mavis Beacon Install Guide: from Download to First Typing Lesson

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Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum 25th Anniversary Edition is one of the better-known releases of the typing tutor, and many people still have it on a disc at home or at school. Because several editions carry similar names, it is easy to mix it up with the Deluxe 25th Anniversary release or with later versions.

This article, from a fan site about the program, explains what this edition is, what it offers, which systems it was listed for and how to get it running on a current computer.

What the Platinum 25th Anniversary Edition Is

The edition was published by Encore Software, under model number 21010, as a special release marking the anniversary of a program that first appeared in late 1987 from The Software Toolworks. Newegg first listed it in February 2011.

The retailer describes it as a hybrid disc that works with both Windows and Mac OS X. On the box the full name is usually printed as Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Platinum, with 25th Anniversary Edition underneath.

What the Edition Includes

PCWorld reviewed this edition and described a full-featured tutor. According to that review, it offers:

  • Lessons that adapt to you. The program keeps analysing your speed and errors, targets the keys you struggle with and raises the difficulty as you improve.
  • Typing games in which speed, accuracy or rhythm decides what happens on screen, for example guiding penguins across icebergs or blowing up asteroids.
  • Custom lessons, including practice on text you import yourself, such as Word 2007 documents.
  • Progress reports that show your problem keys, your progress over time and how close you are to your target speed.
  • Recognition of split keyboard layouts.

The same review notes some limits: the Dvorak layout is not offered in this edition, there is no widescreen support, and the program runs full screen, with Ctrl+Enter switching it to a window.

System Requirements Listed for This Edition

The retailer listing gives these minimum requirements for Windows:

  • Windows XP (Home or Pro) with SP3, Windows Vista with SP1 or Windows 7.
  • Pentium 4 processor at 2.4 GHz or faster.
  • 1 GB of RAM, or 2 GB for Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Windows 8, 10 and 11 are not on that list because they did not exist yet. That does not mean the edition cannot run on them, but you may need compatibility settings. Our guide to running Mavis Beacon on 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 explains what to try. Mac requirements were not given in the listing, so check your box before installing on a recent Mac.

Platinum, Deluxe and Later Editions

Several releases appeared around the same time and afterwards:

  • Deluxe 25th Anniversary, published by Encore and Broderbund around 2010, a separate product with skill assessments, personalised lessons and skill-building games.
  • Ultimate Mac Edition (2011) from Software MacKiev, made for the Mac, with two-player network games and typing practice with song lyrics and classic novels.
  • Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 2020, released by Encore in 2021 for Windows and Mac.

For a broader overview of the program and its history, see Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing: editions and features.

Getting Started with Your Copy

  • Check the edition name and the requirements printed on the box or disc sleeve.
  • If you install from the original disc, make sure your computer has a disc drive and the disc is clean; if the installer stops halfway, clean the disc and try again.
  • Install with administrator rights and restart if the installer asks.
  • Open the program, create a profile and take the first placement lesson so it can adjust to your level.
  • If it will not start on a newer PC, apply the compatibility settings described in the 64-bit guide.

Platform notes are on the pages for Windows 10, Windows 11 and Mac. The install guide walks through the first launch.