Wanna Type Faster?

Sitting at a computer has made everyone a typist. If you want to be able to work proficiently, you should probably look into... I don't know... learning how to type! Typing tutor software has been around for as long as I can remember (Who doesn't remember those old DOS programs? Anyone?). Software can typically run you from between $10 and $50, but why pay for something when a community of programmers can offer you something just as good but for free? Enter the open source program TypeFaster Typing Tutor.

TypeFaster User Install

The beauty of this little gem is that you can setup multiple user accounts and track your progress and even use it in the classroom. There is a Teacher mode which allows you to view the progress of all the accounts (During the install you have to select Multiple Users and Support for Teachers). If you add multiple users, once you open the program you'll have to setup a new user (or teacher) before you can begin (single users can ignore this).

TypeFaster GUI

The user interface is dominated by an onscreen keyboard which highlights the key you should press in red. A white text box displays your cursor underneath the character you need to type as well. There are several built-in lessons and the software also lets you make a customized one. You can track your progress and even play a typing inspired jet fighter game.

I have used this at several computer labs and have had much success with it. One of the draw backs I have seen with similar programs is that there is too much flash. This can cause a distraction especially with younger children. This program does what it is supposed to do and does it well with a simple interface.