If you are a slower "hunt and peck" typist, then "Ten Thumbs" software could be your best new friend!
Ten Thumbs: Software Overview
Fall, 2007PROS: ideal for computer beginners; clear tutorials, motivating format; adapts nicely to student weaknesses, excellent administrator features; great price.
CONS: Once you reach 45wpm, the games cease to be challenging.
Designed for learners under 60 words-per-minute (wpm), Ten Thumbs is tremendous software for its target audience. At $25.95, this software is great value for the money. Designed to diagnose your weaknesses and strengths, and give you customized lessons, Ten Thumbs is good for most learners. Advanced typists over 60wpm may quickly find the games boring, but will still benefit from the vivid tutorials.
"Clarity" is the first word I would use to describe Ten Thumbs. Designed with a very user-friendly interface, a helpful "Viking" assistant character, and easy-to-follow screens, the software is as clear as it gets.
"Adaptive To Learner Needs is my second descriptor. Ten Thumbs lets you choose: jump right into typing diagnostics, or move to specific lessons you want to focus on. You can request Extra Practice on a set of difficult keys, or you can skip forward to different lessons. As an impatient learner, I appreciate this flexibility!
Fun Games and Cute Characters Help The Learning Mood.
Great visuals in this tool.
Runtime Revolution
The games are welcome features, too. Most adults and children will enjoy the Viking story games. No, Ten Thumbs is not nearly as exciting as high-action typing games (e.g. "Typing of the Dead" or "Typer Shark"), but Ten Thumbs is not a game software... it's primary focus is on assessing and treating your specific typing weaknesses.
Great Features For Schoolteachers and Office Networks
If you happen to be a computer schoolteacher or an office network administrator, then Ten Thumbs has tremendous supervision features. You can lock down clients, monitor progress, grade and assign homework, and track how much your people are improving. Combine with both QWERTY and Dvorak keyboard support, this typing software is outstanding value for the $26 pricetag.Overall Comments
If you are an adult learner who needs to improve your typing skills, then Ten Thumbs Typing Tutor is one of your best choices for self-study. You will probably never outgrow its tutelage, and will likely enjoy its friendly-yet-professional presentation. At $26 for the full version, the price is very reasonable considering how well this tool adjusts to your particular needs.If you are a youth or teen learner, then you may find the software less stimulating than HALO or Doom 3, but you are guaranteed to become a better typist immediately with this tool.
If you are a teacher or office administrator, then this software is a very good choice for network deployment in the classroom or office.
"Ten Thumbs" software by Runtime Revolution = Four and a Half Stars out of Five.
Download "Ten Thumbs" software demo here.
Related Typing Training Resources:
1. Typing of the Dead: Zombie Action Typing Game!
2. Typer Shark: High-Action Underwater Typing Fun!
