Mavis Beacon - "Typing": Review and Rate

The Mavis Beacon typing course by Broderbund has successfully taught typing skills, and touch typing since 1987. It is the world's best-selling typing program available. The software comes with a guarantee that you will be typing faster within two weeks. This article reviews this typing course and evaluates its strong and weak points.

Typing for all

Mavis Beacon teaches typing for all levels, from complete beginners who want to practice typing, to those who need to improve their keyboard skills for work or educational purposes. The software comes with intensive lessons, games, statistics, and even interactive 3D hands to help you to find the correct buttons, all led by the ever-reliable Mavis Beacon. Mavis Beacon online also has a download option, as well as a fun Mavis Beacon free typing test. There is also a 'Mavis Beacon for kids' program available, designed specifically to introduce typing for young children.

Positive points

It is clear to see why this is the best typing software out there. The Mavis Beacon typing tutor has 430 lessons, all containing key objectives and structure which make the course straightforward and enjoyable. The Mavis Beacon typing test at the end of every lesson is first rate, and it is a nice touch to offer printable certificates as you progress throughout the course. Available from Broderbund software, Mavis Beacon has a universal appeal. The course is easy for beginners and challenging for more experienced typists. Fun games The 16 typing games are fun too, as well as a good diversion from the intense learning program. Users will enjoy trying to beat their quickest typing times. The software is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Negative points

Outdated lessons Despite the interactive extras, the Mavis Beacon typing lessons have changed very little over time, and for those wishing to simply learn to type, you do not need to seek out the latest version. Off-putting voice effects It is also worth noting Mavis Beacon cannot simply teach you to type, but you need to be prepared to put in plenty of hard work. Some users may also find the fictional, and ever-present, Mavis Beacon condescending voice rather off-putting during the lessons. Spelling differences The typing software is also designed for use with a US computer, so the spelling of certain words in the tests may be confusing for non Americans.