Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Deluxe 17 Win/Mac Reviews

• Excellent Software once you get it to work!

  
  By A3VXG8GCQ11HP9 on 2005-12-20
  I'm 36 and never learned how to type. I figured I'd try and since the Mavis Beacon series seem to be the most popular, I got this one, despite some reviews describing installation problems.
  Sure enough, when I installed it, it wouldn't run. You basically need to set it up to run in Win98 or Win2000 compatibility mode, at 640x480 resolution. Reboot, and Voila!
  So it's been 3 days, and even though my speed dropped quite a bit with learning the proper fingers, I'm typing properly. And the speed is coming back fast.
  The classes are very well designed, it's actually pretty amazing how efficient it is, and fun on top of it.
  The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the compatibility issues. How hard can it be for their engineers to update their engine?!
  
  
  
  

• Practice Makes Perfection

  
  By A3W4D8XOGLWUN5 on 2006-03-03
  I definitely know what it takes when it comes to praticing for the skills of typing. Nevertheless, most of us who are learning the computer know it is a essential to know how to type, and be good at it. While there are several different typing programs that do teach you to type you way to success, no software has been able to be as popular as the longtime Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing franchise. Since it came out several years ago, it has been one of the most popular teaching tools of the trade for typists to be, or anybody who wants to easily learn the computer. The question is, can the latest edition be as goos as the earlier editions?
  
  Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Volume 17, does deliver helping anybody through the tricks of the trade know how to type with success. This edition is very well crafted, through not just the graphics, the sound as it tells you what you need to improve upon through each and every typing exercise from learning about the way to type and your positions, but it also teaches you how to type through the tricks of the trade on 10-key instructions, which can found on either the top of the computer, or on the right side of the keyboard. The software also includes some great mini-games that are also very well skilled tools that can help you from a racing game, to a simple grocery checkout game. The software is very helpful and is a essential teaching tool, and it is worth the money.
  
  Although many people don't know exactly how to type, I absolutely suggest the Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Volume 17 for anybody who wants to learn how to perform this essential tool for typewriting, or anybody who needs to learn how to operate a computer. I've used this software a few years ago, and my typing spped went up to over 40 words a minute. If you want it to help you, I suggest you buy this program.
  
  Graphics: B+
  
  Sound: A 1/2-
  
  Mini-games: B 1/2+
  
  Price: B+
  
  Convience: A-
  
  Overall: B 1/2+
  
  

• A great program but it needs an overhaul

  
  By A2WLDEORTNRY0D on 2006-12-09
  I have kept a copy of Mavis Beacon nearby since I first tried version 5 years ago on my old 386 DX. It did the job then, and keeps getting better. I do wish they would give it a major overhaul. The games are mostly the same, the graphics have gotten better but it is mostly the same old interface.
  
  Now, that said, maybe it is wise not to mess with a good thing! lol
  
  I approached this software with the basic strategy of giving it 15-20 minutes of my time as soon as I sit down at my desk in the morning. I do not have to type all day so I get rusty. This always gets me going strong again. I am no speed demon and have no need or desire to be. However, I don't use 2 fingers any more. Just commit 15 minutes a day, once or twice a day and you will be cruising along in no time.
  
  If you have version 16, maybe even 15, there is no reason to update. If your copy is older, you will definitely want to update. Go with the DELUXE version. You can normally see it on sale in the Sunday ads for $15-$19. I got mine for $19...4 weeks later it was selling for $15 since it is X-mas time.
  
  

• Installation on Mac Mars Otherwise Good Software

  
  By A4SEGXBB0L1JE on 2007-05-27
  My son is eleven and is just starting to use computers. I thought typing software would start him on a lifetime of good typing habits. I chose Mavis Beacon because of the longstanding reputation. Once we got it to work the way I wanted, the actual lessons and games work fine and he is learning to touch type nicely. The kids' setting moves at a pretty reasonable pace for his skill (minimal) and age.
  The installation engine for this software looks like something left over from 1979. It gives no feedback about the only choices (full or minimal install) and is not "Mac-like" in any way. The biggest problem I had has to do with the multiuser aspect of the Mac OS X system. I wanted to install the software into the main Applications folder and then let my son use it on his parental-controlled user account. It took me nearly an hour two times to get it to play nice with both multiuser and parental limitations on my desktop and laptop machines. The problem has to do with permissions, which default to read only in all accounts but the main administrator's account. This generates error messages because it can't save your work and progress in those other accounts. I finally figured out that I had to go to the User - accountname - Shared - Boderbund folder and change permissions to let everyone have read-write access to the personal work files and folders. Just for good measure I changed the permissions on the program itself. Now everyone is happy and my son can learn to type in his own account space without having access to my work and financial records.
  For a program of this popularity and age, I would expect a better installation experience. I know I'm not the only one having problems, but for us it did turn out OK in the end. My twenty years as a Mac power user came in handy. If you are just doing a straight-forward installation in your own account, it probably will work fine.
  
  

• Great Way to learn!!

  
  By A375NF45A1MDWI on 2006-11-25
  I bought this because it looked from the reviews that it was the best on the market. I have now owned it for a couple of months and I cannot say that I disagree. I have loaded this on to 2 computers so far as I purchased a new one recently and I have had no problems in loading the program as some people had mentioned. When I started practicing I confess I was a one finger typist. I found the lessons easy to understand and great at teaching me where all the keys etc. are. The games often provided a welcome break but continuing to reinforce everything you had learned at that point. The only thing now that seems to be holding me back from making this keyboard keys steam is practice and my spelling. If you want learn touch typing with fun and ease then this is the program for you!!
  
  
• Great typing tutor
  By AZNGRCH2GZ9SI on 2006-06-30
  I'm an adult who tries to learn how to type with my 10 fingers. Mostly I get by typing by using my two fingers. After, I bought the previous version (version 12), I really like this program!! Eventhough the earlier version isn't really robust (screen freezes in a game), I still can manage to work around it and still enjoy my learning experience.
  
  Overall, the content and the method of teaching are great. It's really effective, dynamic and fun which is important aspect for me since I get bored easily. Sometimes, I also got addicted and forget it's time to sleep :-). I bought this version because it has more games and additional practise materials. Also because it's more robust than the earlier version and cross-platform.
  
  Overall experience
  The lessons are really focused in practising for each hand or combination fingers, then slowly move to combine both hands. It starts w/ alphabeth then move to numbers and symbol. The games are also developed for specific aspect of your typing, such as accuracy, speed, rythm. It's also gives you different challenge each time based on where you are in the lesson. I really love the games, especially the chamellion picnic. The program also gives you an immediate feedback on your accuracy and speed everytime you complete a lesson or a game, which I love. And for those of you who likes to read stats, you can also monitor your overall progress.
  
  After apprx. 3 weeks of practising everday for an hour to 3 hours after work, now I can type around 35 WPM (and I'm still practising till I can type 60 WPM). I'm so extatic with the result, considering that I was typing with two fingers before. And best of all, it's really really fun. So I recommeded this program for those of you who are in the same boat as me.
  
  And don't forget..practise, practise, practise..
  
  
• A Must for Serious Students
  By A1EMSASIUIVKII on 2006-03-23
  What makes education so wonderful is a program's ability to be interactive, diverse and fun. The Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Deluxe edition has all the elements required to teach the skills needed, to any student beginning or advanced, at a relaxed and steady pace. Even the games are fun and educational at the same time. It was so important for me to know that I was learning what I needed to without wasting time on prior lessons. I recommend this product 100% to anyone who wants to learn to type for whatever reason. My personal development went from 30 wpm to a whopping 119 wpm with 2 errors. Now, that's a teacher!
  
  
• Giving us a great beginning to typing
  By A18LNQZMMEMS97 on 2006-08-17
  I purchased Mavis Beacon as part of our homeschool to teach my 8 and 10 year old boys proper typing skills. They use it 10 - 15 minutes a day and both really enjoy it. We haven't been at it long enough to know the outcome, but they are using it faithfully, love the games after doing a lesson and never complain. That's worth a lot!
  
  
• Buggy, Unstable, and Tech Support is Zero
  By AQWDGT3OG9RP9 on 2006-07-04
  Almost new PC with Windows XP and all upgrades. This program purchased and won't even run. Borderbound's tech support is pathetic - basically nothing at all on this product.
  
  We have never had a problem with any other program running on this Dell computer.
  
  I would not recommend this at all. It's a paperweight and a total waste of money. Can't speak to features since it won't even run.
  
  
• support for typing tutorial
  By A31D82VVDKKZKN on 2006-10-05
  I bought this typing tutorial but beware if you have troubles, they don't answer at the manufacturer. You are on your own with even simple questions. This is keeping me from rating it higher. They need to respond to folks. RM
  
  
• typing
  By ALD74T9LJP0QM on 2007-03-15
  the program is just ok. i can't seem to make it larger to take up the entire computer scrren. i would prefer the keyboard pic on the program to be much larger.
  
  
• Flawed product
  By AJF4IQD44OX6S on 2007-03-24
  Unable to load (multiple attempts) successfully into either Windows XP or Vista. Corrupted. Avoid this product or if you have to buy it, get it from a local retailer so it will be easy to return.
  
  
• Great Product
  By A30WRUHPYR0RRR on 2006-11-06
  Product was delivered in a timely manner. Did not have any of the installation issues that I saw in the other reviews. Just FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS and away I went. The program does what it's supposed to do - teach you touch typing. I bought it primarily for my 10 & 9 year old as they are getting to the age were the need to get on the internet for homework & reports. I also am getting a lot of benefit out of it. The last time I tried Mavis' program was on my old IBM (486 processor running WIN 3.1). I've been a three finger typist since the days I actually used a typewriter and this IS helping me to take advantage of all ten digits without having to look at the keyboard. The games and progress updates aren't dazzlers (not a whole lot has changed since the last verison) but they too do what they are supposed to do, let the kids know how they're doing. Overall grade - MONEY WLL SPENT
  
  
• Good for improving speed and that's about all
  By A2CGJ9SW16AMS3 on 2006-03-20
  I was familiar with this product before I purchased it because a friend had a copy on her computer. So I knew it would help with improving my speed, however, it is a little harder to fix finger placement on the keyboard, which is what I wanted to work on. And while the practice lessons did offer some guidance re. finger placement, its not enough. And, there isn't much variety with the games and lessons, so I found myself remembering the lessons and typing from memory as opposed typing from the screen.
  
  
• Good typing tutor ... no installation problems
  By AIKWHRGMXUNVP on 2006-08-09
  I was hesitant about buying this software package because of all the complaints about installation.
  
  To be quite honest, I'm not sure what the problem was.... I installed this on my laptop (Win XP Pro) with as little effort as possible in installing any software.
  
  The program came right up and I've been practicing my typing...
  
  Couldn't be simpler. And it sure would be hard to beat Mavis...
  
  
• So far this is a wonderful program!
  By A2HLR8IJHDY9TI on 2006-08-30
  I love this program. I have not spent alot of time using it but I have already learned most of the keys. I am typing wothout looking down :o) I have windows xp and was hesitant at 1st because of some other reviews saying it was locking up. I have not had any lock-up issues, it runs very smooth. I had doubts that a program like this could teach me to type, but I am happy to see it really works.
  
  
• Beacon typing tutor
  By AO9KS0IC6V0Q4 on 2006-11-09
  My daughter used this product and found it useful.
  
  The first shipment of the product had a flaw in it but AMAZON corrected the product with a replacement item. I was satisfied with the procedures for replacement.
  
  
• Good Softwear
  By A2YRRBSCF5EF6O on 2007-02-06
  I have not had a typing class in many years. I did not want to attend one, on someone elses schedule.I like this program because It is a typing class whenever I want one. I also am pleased to see my daughter use it. It will print up a typing certificate, she paid $20 for one last week which was required for a job interview. I read the reviews for many typing programs before choosing this one. I feel I got what I wanted. It also included a free resume program, and a $10 rebate, you can't beat that.
  
  
• Sent without Transcription Lessons
  By AWSJRT6P46L21 on 2007-03-08
  Although the program seems O.K., there are some lessons that call for you to work from a transcription wookbook. There was none included.
  
  
• Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Deluxe 17
  By ADN7G68ULDTH4 on 2007-03-08
  This is excellently done. It does teach you to type, but it frustrates me when I can't get my speed up. (Not the programs fault)! I would recommend this product to anyone.
  
  
• Good, but could be better
  By AI884G0FTI350 on 2006-07-19
  I learned typing in 7th grade, the old fashioned way, but I liked the idea that this program, for my daughter, would be similar, going over the home keys, and teaching positioning. I find, however, that this program doesn't go over things enough to practice them. The games that are stuck in are just annoying, and not fun at all. My daughter is so frustrated with not going over the letters enough before advancing, and the stupid games, that she is often in tears. However, she is 11 years old, so take that as you will.
  
  I did find, however, that the program was very good at picking up what I needed to work on, which is numbers.
  
  
• The best typing software ever!!!!
  By on 2007-03-05
  Once I started using Mavis Beacon my typing skills went up.On first it took me forever to finish a sentence,but now since I started using Mavis Beacon I'm an execellent typer.Thanks to Mavis Beacon!!!
  
  
• NOT for the beginer
  By A3V0PRC9PGJFSC on 2007-05-11
  I am trying to learn how to type properly. This program goes waaay to fast for the beginer. So, if you don't need to learn how to type, then why buy this product at all? I feel like this program is trying to teach me how to type in one day - rush, rush. Typing is based on the principle of muscle memory, and one or two days is just way to fast!!
  
  
• Do not buy this program
  By A2K1RNQ6NXCO0W on 2007-06-18
  Mavis Beacon is terrible. This review will be short because I still don't know how to type. This is a very crude program with lots if glitches. It "forgets to teach you entire lessons. You can't find these lessons and access them on your own. You can't go back in its History function and repeat areas you have trouble with. It quizes on keys it hasn't taught you. It is just as bad on Windows as Mac. There must be something better out there.
  
  
• Works well, but not perfect
  By ATOKT8QYK967L on 2007-10-04
  This program does a great job of teaching typing. My 8th grade daughter has voluntarily worked with it daily for the past two weeks. She has gone from 35 wpm to 50 wpm (adjusted) in that two weeks. My 11th grade son uses it, too, but his typing skills are weak and only slowly improving (from 10 to 12 wpm). My complaint is about the manuscript training; we cannot figure out where the manuscript is that the students are to be copying from. If the program showed where to find them to print them out for the lesson, this would get 5 stars.
  
  
• Good typing tutor
  By A2ANNO7ID4KXMN on 2006-07-14
  This program has been good for our 14 and 12 year old kids to better their keyboarding skills this summer. They say it "could be more fun" but it is fun enough to keep their attention for 40 minutes a day (their average daily lesson time).
  
  
• Buggy and annoying
  By A3KNLXB1YJCRU3 on 2006-08-15
  It's not so much that it crashes periodically, as that the user interface is ancient, and they haven't bothered to update it at all. This might have been a reasonably decent program once. It isn't now.
  
  
• It really scares me!
  By A2PAS5WH2CGA3 on 2006-09-06
  IT REALLY SCARES ME HOW MUCH I THOUGHT, THAT I COULD TYPE EVEN A LITTLE. SPEED IS NOT REALLY THE THING ACCURACY IS MORE IMPORTANT. MAVIS BEACON IS TEACHING ME THE TRUE DYNAMICS OF TYPING SO THAT I CAN REALLY USE MY SKILLS AS A WRITER BEFORE NOW I'VE JUST BEEN THE ONE WHO WRITES EVERYTHING BY HAND! THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME A NEW OPPORTUNITY AT ACCURACY AND PATIENCE!
  
  
• Great Typing Tutor
  By A2NSMWS79BF43O on 2007-06-11
  This is a tremendous tool for learning or improving, sharpening your typing skills. It is economical priced!
  
  
• The REAL review!!!
  By A3A1ITMUTDL8YA on 2007-12-05
  This program is just "OK". The bad parts about it are that it is a fairly crappy production in its layout and overall quality. You cant control where you want to go in the lessons for example, once you're past a point where it says "lets try some new keys!", and you're like: "God D*&$#it, I'm not ready for some new F^&#%*@ keys yet!!!!!", too bad!!! The only way you can go backwards is to start all over from the beginning. Also, the games are extremely crappy and lame. I (or almost anyone) could have made a program 10 times better than this, it could be so much more user friendly and entertaining.
  
  

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