Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing is an application software program to teach touch typing.
Video Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
Histori
The typing program was originally released in late 1987 by The Software Toolworks and has been published regularly ever since. The original version was written for MSDOS by Norm Worthington, Walt Bilofsky, and Mike Duffy. The Mavis Beacon edition is currently published by Encore Software (hybrid Mac and Windows) and MacKiev Software (Mac OS X only) and available worldwide retail sales. The initial version supports QWERTY and Dvorak Simplified Keyboard alternative layout. The next version only supports QWERTY up to the Ultimate Mac 2011 Edition from MacKiev Software that returns the Dvorak keyboard lessons entirely to the product. Previous versions made for the Apple II, Commodore 64, Atari 400/800 (version 1 only), Apple IIGS, Atari ST, Mac OS, Windows, Palm OS (version 16), and Amiga system. Windows and Mac versions are currently published under the trademark BrÃÆ'¸derbund by Encore and Software MacKiev.
Maps Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
Features
The program includes a number of speed tests and constantly tracks the typing speed of word-per-minute users. It also includes a number of typing games that several versions have been included since the first release. (The Ultimate Mac Edition 2011 for Mac OS X, published by MacKiev Software, also includes a two-player network typing game, integration with iTunes, Dvorak keyboard support, practice typing lyrics, RSS news feeds and classic novels.) Certificates of achievement can be printed by the user upon completion of the test.
The program is also used in many schools and homes to improve typing skills.
Name
Mavis Beacon is not a real person. Original Mavis Beacon is a Caribbean-born model, Renee L'Esperance. She was introduced to Les Crane, a former talk show host, while she was shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. Crane, who was then a partner at Software Toolworks, found the nickname.
The first name of Mavis Beacon is taken from Mavis Staples, the main vocalist for Staple Singers. The surname comes from a flare, like a light to guide the way.
Reception
A lucrative review in 1987 by Peter Lewis, the technology writer for The New York Times , gave this program an incredible boost.
Calculate! well reviewed the program in 1989, stating that experienced children, adults, and typewriters will find it useful, and cite their support for Dvorak training.
References
External links
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing by Encore (Windows and Mac edition)
- Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing by MacKiev Software (Mac OS X edition)
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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